Heartbreaking inquest begins into death of five-year-old Lila Marsland

An inquest has opened into the tragic death of five-year-old Lila Marsland from Hyde, described by her mother as “a joy to parent.” Lila passed away on the morning of December 28, 2023, just weeks before her sixth birthday.

The inquest, taking place at Stockport Coroner’s Court, began on May 27th with a jury of eleven people hearing the circumstances leading up to Lila’s sudden death.

The first day saw Lila’s mum Rachael Mincherton give evidence along with Detective Chief Inspector Dean, and a statement was read by coroner Christopher Morris from a general practitioner at the surgery Lila was registered at.

To begin the inquest coroner Christopher Morris outlined to the jury and the rest of the courtroom how "the aim of the inquest is to come to a conclusion on what had happened and how Lila Marsland passed away".

Lila’s mother, Rachael Mincherton, gave emotional testimony on the first day of the hearing. She recalled how Lila had fallen ill on December 27th during a family walk at Dovestones. The little girl complained of a headache and later vomited on the way back to the car. Rachael said Lila also seemed unusually tired and lethargic.

Rachael said how that afternoon, Lila developed neck pain and drifted in and out of sleep. Concerned, Rachael took her daughter to Tameside Hospital where they spent several hours being seen by nurses and doctors. The court heard that Lila had a high temperature and an elevated heart rate of 135 beats per minute.

Rachael explained how doctors noted that Lila’s tonsils were swollen and suspected she was suffering from tonsillitis, but at that stage had said they could not rule out Lila having meningitis. At around 11:30pm, one doctor performed a test by moving Lila’s legs, during which Rachael said her daughter “screamed and cried in pain.” Rachael told the court that the doctor assured her the response ruled out meningitis.

Lila’s mum said that Lila was discharged from hospital at approximately 2:40am on December 28th with oral antibiotics and a throat spray.

Rachael recalled the events later that morning when she woke up at around 9am to find Lila unresponsive in bed beside her. She immediately called emergency services and began CPR, though she said it was difficult as she could not open her daughter’s mouth properly.

Paramedics from North West Ambulance Service arrived at the family’s home in Hyde at 9:17am. Tragically, Lila was pronounced dead just two minutes later.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean, who responded to the incident, told the court that there were no suspicious circumstances.

A statement from Lila’s GP at The Brooke Surgery in Hyde outlined her medical history, including a diagnosis of childhood absence epilepsy in May 2023. She had also previously been treated for strep throat, pneumonia, and iron deficiency.

Lila’s mother, Rachael, spoke movingly about the impact of her daughter’s death. “The loss of Lila has deeply affected our family,” she told the court. “I still imagine her walking through the door with her radiant smile.”

In the coming days health staff that dealt with Lila’s case will be taking to the witness stand from both Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust.

The inquest is scheduled to run for eight days as the jury examines the full circumstances of Lila’s illness, medical care, and untimely passing.