THE siblings of a 13-year-old who died from a degenerative disease have opened a new piece of play equipment in her memory.
The roundabout, which is wheelchair accessible, was installed in Allithwaite on Easter Sunday.
Connie Elson, from Cark, had metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) which leads to loss of sight, speech, hearing, movement, seizures and severely reduces life expectancy.
She died on July 19, 2022, following a long battle.
Her brother Joe was diagnosed with the same condition in 2014 but was able to have treatment to prevent it from progressing as it was found early.
Joe, alongside Connie's sister Miriam, officially opened the roundabout together. They cut a pink ribbon, which was Connie's favourite colour.
The donations given after her death to the family have funded this roundabout for generations of children to enjoy.
A plaque on the roundabout reads: "It is not about how long you live but rather what you achieve while you are here. Your strength, courage and beauty will be forever in our hearts. Connie ‘Bon Bon’ Elson 2008 – 2022. A real life Warrior Princess."
Connie's mum Nicola Elson said: "We are forever grateful to everybody near and far who donated in memory of our beautiful Connie towards this fantastic piece of equipment. We are also eternally grateful to the wonderful playground committee who have not only accommodated our wishes, but have gone above and beyond to help us make it happen. Seeing the children smiling and having fun using the roundabout is a comfort, and I know Connie will be smiling down."
READ MORE: 'Courageous warrior' Connie takes final breath after MLD battle
According to the NHS, the most common form of MLD usually develops in babies younger than 30 months. In her life, Connie raised thousands of pounds for charity and the profile of Libmeldy gene therapy treatment by campaigning to bring it to the UK.
Shortly after her death, Nicola said: "You fought courageously, despite the exhaustion and effort. You are our hero, our lion heart and our world. Fly high my beautiful girl, we love you to infinity and back again. Always.”
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