Premature baby of cancer mum Heidi Loughlin dies

A baby born 12 weeks premature so her mother could finally begin chemotherapy has died.

Police officer Heidi Loughlin was three months pregnant when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer, and delayed her treatment for as long as possible.

Doctors told Heidi she should have a termination and start chemotherapy treatment immediately, but she was determined to keep her baby.

The 32-year-old put her own life at risk by delaying the extra-strength chemotherapy, which could harm her unborn child, in favour of a less invasive treatment.

But the treatment did not work, and medics told her she needed to start on the stronger course, meaning her child had to be delivered early.

Heidi gave birth to Ally Louise Smith early on December 11 via Caesarean section..The mother-of-two told ITV News beforehand:

Ally Louise Smith, who weighed just 2lb 5oz at birth, passed away on Saturday.

Heidi revealed their loss in the form of a poem posted to her blog, in which she detailed her journey battling cancer while pregnant.

Heidi has also raised more than £10,000 for Cots for Tots - a charity supporting the special care baby unit at St Michael's Hospital in Bristol.