Krystal Brocklesby was a fantastic daughter who will always be number one

The parents of a six-year-old girl have spoken about their devastating loss after an inquest ruled she had died of natural causes.

Krystal Toni Linda Brocklesby was born in Scunthorpe on April 26, 2005 and had medical difficulties from birth.

She battled with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and recurrent chest infections until her death, which a coroner has now ruled was from natural causes.

Krystal's mum Fiona Ashley, 26, of Cliff Avenue, Winterton, said she experienced problems with Krystal from the moment her waters broke.

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She said: "It was a difficult and traumatic birth.

"When Krystal was born, she was rushed away because she had been starved of oxygen and remained in hospital for a month.

"She had cerebral palsy, epilepsy and recurrent chest infections which made her cry a lot, among other medical problems.

"She was a difficult baby and it was hard to feed her.

"About a year ago, she started to improve and she was the best I had ever seen her all her life. I could see some real improvements so it was a massive shock when she passed away."

Krystal's father, Bryan Brocklesby, 30, said: "When Krystal was born we were told she would not last the day. We were told she had brain damage. However, she was a little fighter and pulled through."

Mr Brocklesby said Krystal never walked and only learnt to say about six words.

She attended St Luke's Primary School in Scunthorpe from September 2008.

Head teacher Rob Ashdown said: "Krystal was a lovely little girl. Krystal had no speech and people could never be certain about how much she understood the spoken word.

"However, Krystal always responded well to familiar adults, showing her recognition of them through fleeting eye contact, smiles and vocalisation. She enjoyed dancing to silly music and loved looking at brightly coloured lights.

"She liked rough and tumble play but if she didn't want to work she would pretend to be asleep."

Mr Brocklesby added: "Krystal saved me because when I was younger I was a tearaway and went to prison for two years.

"After Krystal was born, my life was turned around because all I ever wanted was a family. She made me a better person and taught me how to love.

"She was a joy to have and a fantastic daughter. I will never forget her and she will always be my number one."

An inquest held at the Civic Centre in Scunthorpe heard that Krystal was showing signs of a cold in the lead-up to her death.

Mrs Ashley said at the inquest: "In the days leading to her passing away, she became chestier and I frequently had to release fluid from her chest."

On March 24 her stepfather, Darryl, had noticed she was cold, had changed colour and was no longer breathing.

Coroner Paul Kelly said: "There is no evidence that the environment or care of Krystal contributed to her death."

He recorded a verdict that she died of natural causes.