Parents will hold a fundraiser to donate to a children’s hospital in memory of their five-year-old daughter who died from a rare form of Strep A.

Sienna Quarrington Patel, who lived in Rickmansworth with her family, was rushed to Watford General Hospital with a high temperature on Sunday, December 18, 2022.

After being sent home the family got a call at 3am on the Monday morning and were told they had to go back due to the high infection rate in Sienna’s blood.

Watford Observer: Anita described Sienna as sassy, stylish, could be shy but also showed her big personalityAnita described Sienna as sassy, stylish, could be shy but also showed her big personality (Image: Anita Patel)

She suffered two seizures and was quickly rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) on the Monday.

It was at GOSH where Sienna was diagnosed. Her mother, Anita Patel, 40, said: “She was sent for a brain drain at GOSH and had an MRI.

“The doctors told us the Strep A was so aggressive it took over her brain and by the Monday afternoon it had shut down.”

Anita and her husband Steve Quarrington, 35, waited to see if Sienna would recover, but on Wednesday, December 21, they agreed her breathing tube should be removed because she was no longer responsive.

“It is every parent’s worst nightmare. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone,” said Anita.

She added: “GOSH let visitors in to see Sienna. It wasn’t about me or Steve, it was about making sure she was at peace and wasn’t suffering anymore.”

Watford Observer: Sienna had just started schoolSienna had just started school (Image: Anita Patel)

Due to the support the family received from GOSH, the couple has been raising money to donate to the paediatric intensive care unit where Sienna was.  

Anita said: “Sienna was all about her hair – it was really long. We wanted to wash her hair after the brain drain, but GOSH didn’t have conditioner or combs.

“Any money raised can be used for things like this.

“It can be quite isolating in the hospital. We didn’t know we were going to the hospital so all we had was what was on us. We were fortunate because our friends could bring us things while we were there, but not everyone has that.”

Watford Observer: The money raised will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital. The money raised will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital. (Image: Anita Patel)

So far, the couple has raised £13,000 for GOSH in Sienna’s memory.

Their next fundraiser will be held on Saturday, July 29, at The Middlesex Stadium in Breakspear Road, Ruislip from 1pm to 11pm.

The day will consist of a charity football match, barbeque, live music and a raffle featuring prizes such as a signed Manchester United football, Anne-Marie tickets and a 50-inch smart TV.

Since Sienna passed away the fundraising has helped Anita, Steve, and his older daughter.  

Watford Observer: Sienna and AnitaSienna and Anita (Image: Anita Patel)

Anita said: “Sienna was very sassy, stylish, could be shy but also showed her big personality, she was a cheeky little girl who was always singing.”

Her parents have had counselling, “which has helped” and Sienna’s school, Arnett Hills School, that she had just started at has also supported the family with fundraising.

For Anita and Steve, the fundraising will continue. They plan to do a sky dive this year and next year Steve will take part in the Watford half marathon.