"A FIGHTER and a little princess" – that’s how Newport girl Olivia Strickland, who died in her sleep, will always be remembered by her family.

The brave youngster, aged eight, of Hammond Drive, died peacefully at home on January 17 after losing her battle with rare genetic disorder progressive encephalopathy with oedema, hypsarrhythmia, and optic atrophy (PEHO) syndrome.

PEHO syndrome causes neurological problems including cerebral palsy and Olivia, who also suffered from epilepsy, was unable to walk or talk and had to be fed through a tube in her stomach.

Olivia’s mum, Tess, 36, said: "She was always a friendly girl and always laughing despite her illness.

She was a true fighter and a princess. She taught us so much through the way she dealt with things."

Olivia, who as a baby was only given a life expectancy of five years, spent her short lifetime in and out of hospital and was on up to eight different types of medication a day.

The Maes Ebbw special school pupil also spent time at Cardiff’s Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice but did manage to spend her final week at home with her family including her mum, her dad Ian and sisters Charlotte, 21, Danielle, 19, Michaela 19, Francesca, 14 and Kayleigh, 14.

Mrs Strickland said: "Olivia had a lot of support from the school, the hospice, all her nurses and my family. I want to thank everyone who has ever supported her."

She added: "It was so special having her here at home for her final week. Even though her life was short, the time with her was well worth it."

Olivia’s funeral will be held on February 2 at SS Julius and Aaron Church, Heather Road, at 11am followed by a burial at St Woolos Cemetery.