Tragic two-year-old died after family holiday in Turkey - three years on, her heartbroken family is still searching for answers

The family of a tragic two-year-old who died following a family holiday to Turkey have been searching for answers for almost three years. Next week, their wait might finally be over as the toddler's death is considered by a coroner at an inquest.

Allie Brenda Birchall, from Atherton, near Wigan, fell ill shortly after returning from the trip in July 2019. She died at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on August 3.

Her heartbroken mother Katie Dawson says she is desperate for answers. In a few days, the tragic case will go before a coroner for a final hearing.

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Coroner Zak Golombeck opened the review at Manchester Coroners' Court on May 24, 2021. The short hearing was told pathologist Dr Melanie Newbould had given Allie's cause of death as 'encephalopathy and other complications associated with haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) due to toxins produced from E. Coli'.

The court heard evidence from a report by consultant microbiologist, Dr Vanya Gant, which said the strain of E. Coli was 'almost certainly acquired in Turkey'. Dr Gant described it as 'a rare serotype not previously seen in the UK'.

Ian Denham, a barrister representing Allie's family, told the inquest that other family members had also fallen ill around the time of the holiday. Mr Golombeck said the scope of he inquest would be extended to look at how, when and where Allie came to be exposed to the E. Coli pathogen, and whether her death was avoidable.

On May 17, the final hearing will take place at Manchester Coroners' Court. Allie’s mum Katie, 36, said: “The past three years have been the worst of my life. I still struggle to accept that