The family and friends of a seven-year-old who tragically died last year have raised more than £3,000 for Rebecca House through their fundraising charity, Sophie Rocks.

Sophie Moolman died at Noble’s Hospital on March 29 from acute myocarditis, a result of contracting the influenza virus myocarditis, a rare, vicious, fast acting and, especially in children, often missed condition, with symptoms presenting as ones commonly attributed to other, less deadly illnesses.

Sophie Rocks was created and is driven by family friend Dawn Bremner and raised a total of £3,341.43 from a fun day and walk event in Ramsey on January 1 this year, what would have been Sophie’s eighth birthday. There are plans for further fundraising events held by Sophie Rocks.

While the charity is in memory of Sophie, her family would love for anyone who has been touched by Rebecca House or Hospice through their own family, friends, someone they know, or simply those who would like to be involved to do just that; join them and celebrate and remember their own loved ones.

Sophie’s mum Samantha Moolman said: ’Not everyone is aware of all the facilities and overwhelming support that Rebecca House offer to children and families in need. I know I wasn’t until that tragic day.

’It wasn’t until our little Soph was taken from us by that brutal and rapid illness that I fully learned of all of their amazing work with families and the respite they offer. They help so many children and do all they can to try and make their and their family’s lives a better, lighter and happier place.’

Ms Moolman added that Rebecca House’s Rainbow Room, which provides a place of rest until the day of the funeral, gave her and her family ’tremendous support’ in their darkest days.

She added: ’We had an agonising near three-week wait until Soph could be finally laid to rest but taking the option to have her stay in Rebecca House in their Rainbow Room was the best decision we made.

’Parents can visit whenever they want at whatever time, day or night and stay for as long as they want, to be with their angel and say their goodbyes.

’Believe me, there is never enough time to do that.’

One of Sophie’s godparents, Dan Paton, is doing a year of events to support Rebecca House in memory of Sophie, including running the equivalent of 100 marathons. To follow his progress or to make a donation visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sophierocks2019.