Chichester family’s heartbroken tribute to their ‘little angel’ Grace

By Chris Shimwell [email protected]
Published 4th Jun 2015, 09:01 BST
Parents Dan Sapio and Cara Hunter with their children Harvey, four, and Grace, who passed away three months before her second birthday. Picture: Paul JacobsParents Dan Sapio and Cara Hunter with their children Harvey, four, and Grace, who passed away three months before her second birthday. Picture: Paul Jacobs
Parents Dan Sapio and Cara Hunter with their children Harvey, four, and Grace, who passed away three months before her second birthday. Picture: Paul Jacobs
A FAMILY is saying farewell to a beloved angel after their baby girl passed away at 21 months.

Grace Mai Hunter-Sapio was born on September 3, 2013, to Dan Sapio and Cara Hunter, of Lloyd Road, Chichester.

She was born with a rare heart defect that Dan, 27, said affected only one in 5,000 new-born babies.

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She had hypoplastic left heart syndrome – where the left ventricle of the heart does not develop properly so is much smaller than usual.

Dad Dan Sapio with GraceDad Dan Sapio with Grace
Dad Dan Sapio with Grace

“Her heart had become far too weak and she felt it was time to go,” said Dan.

His daughter passed away last Thursday, leaving the family devastated.

“When she was at home it was laughs, fun and games,” said Dan. “She bounced off her brother and he bounced off her.”

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In her young life, Grace spent a great deal of time being cared for at Southampton General Hospital.

Dan praised the care she received there, as well as that of the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, providing care at home for children with life-threatening conditions.

“Without them I think we would have cracked as a family a long time ago,” he said, saying their support for the family had been invaluable.

Nurses from the trust came out to double-check Grace and help administer medicines and care for her.

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