A MOTHER has spoken of her heartache after one of her twin daughters died in her sleep.

Janine Byrom went to feed six-month-old Ella but found her lifeless little body lying next to her sister Lola.

Ms Byrom and partner Kieran Whitehead, of New Hall Road, Heaton, who also have a two-year-old son called Harry, believe Ella suffered Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when she died on October 21.

The twins' parents hope now to raise awareness of SIDS. Mr Whitehead said: "We had heard horror stories happening to other people and you think it will never happen to us. But a baby can be completely healthy before being struck down.

"It's the shock and not having the answers, that's the horrible thing about cot death. Ella just deserves to be celebrated and remembered."

Mr Whitehead, aged 24, said: "Ella was the cheeky one and Lola was the sensible one. Ella was the first to smile and giggle. We can now see part of Ella in Lola – Lola has changed."

Ms Byrom, aged 33, said: "She was very unsettled in the first few days after her sister's passing. The only time when they were ever apart was when they were being bathed. They used to comfort each other and they held hands in the cot.

"I used to dress them the same and I couldn't walk halfway down the road without someone stopping me to say they were adorable."

The twins were born healthily a month early at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Preliminary tests by the coroner's service have not confirmed an official cause of death.

Mr Whitehead's mother Nikki Oakes added: "The worst thing for me is to look in the wardrobe and everything is still in twos. We've told Harry Ella is in the sky and he's not going to see her again. He keeps letting balloons go into the air saying it's a present for Ella."

Family friend Anna Cresswell set up a crowdfunding campaign on JustGiving.com to help the parents with a target of £500 but the donations quickly totalled more than three times that figure.

Ms Byrom and Mr Whitehead run a doll vintage china and antiques trading business together called Cherished Trinkets.

The family will hold a humanist service to remember Ella and have organised a tea party with baby pink balloons, bunting and cakes to celebrate her short life at a venue in Blackrod.

Mr Whitehead said: "We're looking forward to the tea party because it's something that we can do especially for her."

International customers of the couple's online business have sent gifts and wellwishers have been calling at the house to offer their condolences.

The crowdfunding campaign has now reached £1,620 to help cover the funeral costs.

Mrs Oakes said: "It's just so touching.We just want to thank people for the phenomenal support the whole family has had from friends, our employers, and neighbours. They have been bringing flowers, offers of support, cash - anything to help.

"Some of the people who have been in touch are the ones who have children themselves and can share the pain."

The couple said they have found great comfort in local support services and received a memory box from bereavement charity 4Louis through the hospital.

To make a donation to the crowdfunding campaign, click here