A young mother mourning the sudden death of her healthy and happy daughter just before Christmas has opened up about her unimaginable heartbreak.
New parents Alex Reed, 29, and Pat Willis, 28, from Geelong in Victoria were excited about their first Christmas with their five-month-old baby, Isla Addison.
Their world came crashing down on December 8 when Mrs Reed found little Isla lifeless and unresponsive shortly after a morning feeding.
Isla could not be revived despite the best efforts of her mother, a neighbor and paramedics.
As she prepares for Isla's funeral on Thursday, an emotional Mrs Reed bravely spoke out about her loss in the hope no other parent goes through a similar nightmare.
Alex Reed wants everyone to remember her daughter Isla as a beautiful, cheerful angel
Isla Addison Willis was a happy and healthy little boy until her mother found her lifeless and unresponsive after a morning feeding on December 8.
“It feels like our purpose has been taken away,” she told Ny Breaking Australia.
'I take things day by day, minute by minute.
“Some days are easier than others.”
December 8 started like any other day.
“Isla had her morning feed after a full night's sleep, as usual,” Mrs. Reed recalled.
'We fell asleep afterwards and when I got up to give her another feeding she didn't look well.
'I tried to wake her up but she didn't respond. I called triple-0 and ran outside, shouting to my neighbor for help.
“We then both performed CPR until the ambulance arrived.”
She praised the efforts of paramedics who did everything they could to save Isla.
“I begged them not to stop, but at some point they had to,” she said.
“It was an unnatural feeling that no other parent should have to experience.”
Alex (left) and her fiancé Pat (right) were looking forward to Isla's first Christmas
Five-month-old Isla Willis (pictured) had just learned how to roll over
Her fiancé and family rushed home to spend their last precious moments with Isla, where they rocked, cuddled and sang “You Are My Sunshine” to her until the coroner arrived.
Isla was a healthy baby who had just learned how to roll over and was melting the hearts of everyone she met.
She also loved Bluey and Winnie the Pooh.
“She was the happiest little munchkin ever, we called her our perfect lamb,” Mrs Reed said.
“She had the gummiest smile and the biggest belly laugh.
'She was my savior. Our family was broken, but when Isla came, she healed everyone's souls.
“Everyone who saw Isla loved her and she loved everyone.”
Christmas Day next Monday will be very different from what the couple dreamed of.
“We were planning on putting up the Christmas tree the day Isla died,” she said.
'We had everything ready and were really looking forward to it.
“Instead, we will grieve as a family.”
Little Isla (pictured with dad Pat) melted the hearts of everyone she met
It is clear that Isla died of natural causes.
The couple are now awaiting test results that will reveal whether Isla had a genetic condition or died of cot death.
“She was healthy and eating without any sign of weakness, illness or anything else,” Mrs. Reed said.
She now wishes they had used an ankle monitor that records a baby's heartbeat – as she made a strong plea to other parents.
“That monitor may have saved Isla's life,” she said.
“I want other parents to be aware that one minute you have your child and the next minute it's gone.
'I urge new parents to keep a close eye on their babies because I don't want anyone else to feel the pain we are feeling right now.
“I want everyone to know that these things happen more than you think.”
The couple plans to set up a charity in Isla's honor and become advocates for the condition that killed Isla.
Heartbroken family and friends say goodbye to Isla during her funeral on Thursday
Baby Isla loved both Winnie the Pooh (photo) and Bluey
Friends and the wider Geelong community have rallied around the heartbroken couple.
'At this time we are asking the community to come together in support by donating whatever they are able to, because every little bit will add up and help Alex and Pat by giving them the space to be real in their grief ', an online fundraiser – which has already raised nearly $8,500 – states.
'We thank you all in advance as this money will be used to help Alex and Pat keep up with their bills and rent while they are unable to work as they cope with this unimaginable loss and for therapy bills to support their healing process and coping with this unbearable time.'
Mrs. Reed and her fiancé thank the first responders, police and paramedics who tried to save Isla.
The couple is also grateful for the support received.
“We're both unable to work at the moment, but the rent and bills don't stop,” she told Ny Breaking Australia.
Alex Reed and Pat Willis plan to set up a charity in honor of their baby daughter
Isla (pictured) was a happy and healthy baby until her life was abruptly cut short by an undiagnosed condition