A GIRL of five died after collapsing in her school playground during the lunchtime break.
Alex Mallinson was given first aid by staff and rushed to hospital.
But the previously healthy little girl is believed to have suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and could not be saved.
Her dad Stephen, 26, said: "We just can't believe it. I keep expecting her to come running down the stairs.
"We put on children's television just to pretend she is still here."
The tragedy took place on Friday at Woodland Community Primary School in Heywood, near Rochdale.
Children and staff at the school have been offered counselling and an investigation is underway.
According to her parents, Alex had shown no sign of ill-health that morning and was generally 'full of life'.
Lost
Her mum Helen, 38, said that the first she knew of the incident was when a police officer knocked at her door later that afternoon.
She said: "It was like it was happening to someone else. It was surreal.
"We still just can't take it in. We feel lost."
Alex, who had a half-sister, 14-year-old Guinevere, was described as a bubbly and lively child who loved spending time at school.
Mrs Mallinson said: "She was happy and never still.
"She was full of life, and loved every second of every day.
"She would take care of other children at school and always put them first."
Mr Mallinson, a technician, added: "She liked going up to Heaton Park to feed the squirrels. She liked dancing and singing. And she loved reading, even though she had only just started."
Thoughtful
Charles Sutcliffe, the head teacher at Woodland Community Primary, described Alex as `a very caring and thoughtful little girl who enjoyed looking after her friends'.
He added: "She always gave of her best in everything she did. Alex has touched the hearts of all at Woodland and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time."
A spokesman for the North West Ambulance Service said they received a call on Friday and an ambulance arrived at the school within five minutes.
Alex was taken to Fairfield Hospital where doctors were on standby but she was pronounced dead shortly after she arrived.
Terry Piggott, from Rochdale council, said: "This is a terrible tragedy.
"All our thoughts are with the family at this time."
A council spokesman said they were unable to say anything further until the investigation had been completed.
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Showing comments 1 to 11 and replies | View All
Gary SK13 (15/01/2008 at 13:07)
teagy, Burnage (15/01/2008 at 13:16)
this is a tragedy what makes you think a comment like that, is in anyway helpful/constructive to anyone. to the family my thoughts are with, I lost my 5 year old boy 18months ago in an accident and know what you are going through.
Ms D, Manchester (15/01/2008 at 18:42)
Garfield (15/01/2008 at 18:54)
Connor Barrett, Heywood (15/01/2008 at 19:52)
wend, northenden (15/01/2008 at 21:32)
Oz Blue (16/01/2008 at 01:45)
Salford Red downunder, austrailia (16/01/2008 at 05:23)
Tracy Kerr (16/01/2008 at 13:30)
mancunian, australia (16/01/2008 at 17:54)
Having lost a very young child myself, whilst living in the UK, I understand what these poor people are going through.
However, why are the modern generation always "offered counselling".
It has been suggested by greater minds than mine that it only heightens & prolongs the grief.
Family & friends are the most qualified people to handle situations like this not paid cousellors.
mrs gibbons (17/01/2008 at 17:12)