THE family of a Wrexham girl whose brave battle against illness touched TV viewers' hearts have paid a heartfelt tribute.

Lilly Louise Lawrence died in her father Ryan Lawrence's arms at Wrexham Maelor Hospital aged just two on April 20.

Doctors had said that Lilly would not have along life, but her death still came as a shock to her family.

Her mother Louise Williams, 23, of Gwenfro in Wrexham, said: "Inside I feel broken but on the outside I'm trying to stay strong for her.

"I don't want to be crying all the time because that's not what Lilly would want."

Lilly, who was born 10 weeks premature, has Down's Syndrome and had to contend with numerous health problems, including autism spectrum disorder, chronic lung disease, pulmonary vein stenosis and global developmental delay.

Doctors told Lilly's family that she probably would not stand or walk, and might never talk.

But Lilly defied expectations and managed to walk a short distance with a frame, could say some words in both English and Welsh - and even picked up some sign language.

Of Lilly, Louise added: "She was always happy. Any time you'd go and see her, she'd always have a smile on her face - she'd never be down or grumpy."

BBC Wales featured Lilly's story in the The Children’s Ward, which followed the challenges face by young patients at the Maelor.

Lilly's parents have received messages of support from viewers, with one from Telford even sending a teddy bear, cardigan and blanket.

The Children's Ward will pay tribute to Lilly when she features in a new series later this year.

Apart from spells at Hope House along with Great Ormond Street and Alder Hey Hospitals, Lilly spent her short life at the Maelor.

Her aunt Kelly Jones said that staff were like a second family to Lilly, adding: "We can't thank them enough. They were brilliant."

Lilly's funeral will be held at St Giles' Parish Church in Wrexham at 11.30am on May 8.

Those who attend are asked to wear pink, blue or yellow items in tribute to Lilly.

She will be laid to rest at Plas Acton Cemetery.

Lilly's brother Liam, five, released pink balloons at Tower View in tribute to his sister alongside cousins Lacie, 10, Zak, eight, Myra-Rose, six, and Alice, three.

Members of the community are helping to organise a fun day at Wrexham Rail Sports and Social Club on May 26 to help with funeral costs, and any money left over will be donated to the Maelor's children's ward.

The family told have been overwhelmed by support from the community.

Donations can also be made online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mark-lawrence-fundraiser.