TODDLER Amber Jasmine Southerington has lost her fight for life after living with leukaemia since she was only four months old.

The three-year-old died at home after she fought a "brave and courageous" battle, and managed against the odds to stay alive to see her third birthday.

Her mum, Sharon Southerington, of North Moor, Huntington, said Amber was born a normal and happy baby, but everything went wrong when she stopped feeding from her bottle one day in 1998.

When she was taken to hospital with what she thought was a routine gripe she was shocked to be told Amber had leukaemia.

Amber was treated at York District Hospital and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals - where she spent many months of her short life. She was also in Martin House children's hospice, but Sharon managed to have her at home for most of this year despite her round-the-clock medication.

Although Amber couldn't talk properly she had a mischievous little character. Sharon, who has another daughter Leeanne, ten, said: "She was such a happy little girl and amazed us all by her strength and determination."

Amber was given only minutes to live last year, but she survived. Sharon, 37, said: "She spent another Christmas with us and was around for mine and Leeanne's birthdays this year. She brought us so much joy."

But Sharon said Amber changed her whole life. "From having a healthy baby to spending months in hospital took its toll on family life. It has been tough - but my family wouldn't have had it any other way."

During her illness Amber endured chemotherapy, renal failure, three heart attacks, broken bones, had to have kidney dialysis and wear an oxygen mask.

Sharon added: "She was a fighter, but finally she just fell asleep. It's so hard not having her around any more - our lives feel very empty."

In memory of Amber, Sharon and Leeanne have bought a star and named it after her. "She was our little star and we will always have lovely memories of her."

Updated: 10:38 Thursday, December 13, 2001