A THREE-year-old twin has died after battling several illnesses brought on by a mystery virus.

Bobbi Morgan was just five weeks old when she was struck down with a bug which resulted in a life of medication and hospital visits.

Her twin Danielle has led a perfectly normal life.

Parents Emma Rowles and Gareth Morgan, of Fairwater, Cwmbran, are now coming to terms with life without the girl they nicknamed 'Bobbi Lou'.

Emma said: "She was a very determined, happy, cheeky little girl. She really lived life to the full."

For identical twin Danielle the loss is especially poignant.

Emma said: "Danielle was always fantastic with Bobbi, playing with her, fetching her toys and looking after her.

"We've told Danielle that Bobbi is a star in the sky, she thinks she's with Santa and waves goodnight to her every night."

Bobbi and Danielle were born eight weeks early in December 2001, after an emergency caesarean.

Then, aged five weeks, Bobbi was suddenly struck down by a mystery virus and suffered a heart attack.

It took nearly ten minutes for doctors at the Royal Gwent Hospital to get the little girl's heart pumping again, but in those crucial minutes she suffered severe brain damage.

Bobbi was left partially sighted, epileptic and with cerebral palsy, needing 13 medications a day.

In her three years Bobbi was in and out of hospital a total of 63 times, but for all her difficulties the youngster's personality always shone through.

Emma said: "She could have the worst day ever, but just a couple of hours later she would look up at you with a beaming smile."

Dad Gareth added: "She loved to cuddle - you had to give her a cuddle at least once in the morning, afternoon and night.

"And she loved the sound of cars - the Fast and the Furious was her favourite film." Bobbi attended playgroup at the Torfaen Opportunities Group in New Inn and was making excellent progress.

The family take comfort in their memories and pictures of Bobbi and the fact they enjoyed a particularly good Christmas together this year.

When Bobbi's breathing got worse, she was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff with pneumonia.

She died on January 23 in the arms of her parents and surrounded by extended family and friends. Now her parents want her story to be an inspiration to others and Emma is currently writing a book about Bobbi's life.

* Bobbi's funeral will take place on Thursday at St Gabriel's Church, Cwmbran at 11.15am. Her parents have asked mourners to wear bright clothes in celebration of her life.