A heartbreaking tribute has been shared to a four-year-old girl who tragically died just hours before her first day of school.
Tiny Rose O'Leary had just undergone her third open heart surgery to help treat a heart condition.
But she contracted an infection and tragically died several weeks later.
Rose, who was from Pool-in-Wharfedale near Leeds, passed away just one day before she was supposed to start school.
Her heartbroken parents, Katie and Sue O'Leary-Hall, have released a moving tribute to the four-year-old, describing her as 'feisty' and 'gorgeous'.
Issuing a tribute through a GoFundMe set up by a friend, they wrote: "Sue O'Leary-Hall and I are devastated to inform everyone that our beautiful baby girl, Rose, has lost her fight to CHD.
"She had her third open heart surgery on the 15th of August and despite battling ferociously for her life died yesterday after contracting an infection. We are spending the next few days at Martin House Hospice.
"I have no words to describe the depth of the pain we feel on the day she should have started school.
"Rose was so full of love and life. Our lives will forever be shaped by knowing and loving her and they will certainly never be the same without her.
"Her feisty, strong willed and gorgeous nature will last forever in our hearts. Sleep well, beautiful girl."
The GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral costs for Rose and her family. It's already raised almost £8,000 at the time of writing - double its target.
It reads: "I’m sorry we’re all connecting due to the tragic circumstances of Rose’s death. I’m sure we’re all grieving the devastating loss of such a beautiful, feisty little girl.
"Unfortunately with such tragic grief also comes the heartache and financial burden of arranging a funeral.
"I’m sure we all feel completely useless in this situation and would love to do anything to support Katie and Sue. Therefore, Amy, Laura and I have spoken to Katie about us arranging some donations from friends in order to support them with the financial costs of the funeral.
"We completely understand that everyone’s situations are different and there’s absolutely no pressure to donate and there’s absolutely no set amount - just anything you feel you’re able to contribute."
Featured image: GoFundMe
Leeds
Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Leeds this year
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Daisy Jackson -
11th September 2023 
