THE parents of four-year-old tot who died from a brain tumour just before last Christmas are celebrating the birth of a new daughter.
Ellese Mulligan-Green lost her brave battle against her illness following a six month fight on December 18 last year.
But a year on parents Philip and Joanne Mulligan-Green have their sites set on the future following the birth of daughter Gabriella Ellese.
Mum Joanne, 40, said: "Gabriella is now two months old and she is absolutely beautiful.
"She looks just like Ellese did at her age, they could have been twins.
"But already she has her own personality coming through."
Throughout Ellese's battle with illness she defied doctors who had told her she would not be able to go to school.
She added: "Gabriella is her own person and not Ellese. We want her to be herself completely. We are going to tell her she had an older sister though and what she was like.
"Everyone thinks that now we have a baby, we are OK, but the truth is I should have three children and not two.
"It is harder than it has ever been, especially as the anniversary has just passed."
Joanne who works for Hyndburn Homes and Philip, 37, who works for Ultraframe of Clitheroe also have a three-year-old son Joshua.
Joanne, of Seacole Way, in Guide, added: "Luckily Joshua has not associated Christmas with Ellese's death, which is probably because he was just two at the time. We talk about her all the time and he is doing well and enjoying nursery.
"We are still just taking everyday as it comes but with the help of the children and our family we can slowly begin to look towards the future."
The family is enjoying a quiet family Christmas at home this year.
Ellese touched the hearts on many Hyndburn folk who got involved with countless fundraising efforts for potential treatment abroad and in her memory for Derian House.
The latest event was a joint Golden Wedding celebration with Bill and Anne Cross, Ellese’s Great Aunt at Park View Working Men’s Club, in Accrington.
The event raise £410 for the Hospice.
