“We’ve never received an apology”

What makes it even harder? The apology never came — at least not directly.

“We’ve never received an apology,” Rachael told the BBC in June, 2025. “The first time we saw it was on the news after the inquest.”

In a statement, the hospital trust acknowledged “missed opportunities” and issued a general apology, saying it accepted the coroner’s findings and would work to improve care.

But for Lila’s family, the damage is permanent.

“She was always happy,” Rachael recalled. “She would make everyone laugh. She was just a special little girl.”

Her big sister Ava, now 15, adored her. The two were inseparable.

“She just loved her life and was a pleasure to parent,” said Rachael. “She loved school, she loved playing out with her friends.”

Raised over $24,000

Now, instead of taking her to school, the Marslands are running a charity in her name.

They created Lila’s Light, a nonprofit that distributes “bereavement bags” to siblings of children who have died — a small way to help kids express grief in a world that often doesn’t ask how they’re doing.