Tragic Lucie dies in Dad's arms

9:39am Thursday 7th August 2008

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A teenage girl from Weymouth who suffered from a rare neurological disorder has died at the age of 14.

Lucie Bennett passed away in her father's arms in a hospital in New Jersey, where her family now lives.

She was born with Batten disease and had been hospitalised for the past two months, since her condition worsened.

Her grandmother Margaret Bennett of Westham, Weymouth, said Lucie had successfully come through a brain operation and been moved to a rehabilitation home when she suffered an unrelated fatal stomach problem. Mrs Bennett, 75, said: "My son Ricky said to me: I cradled her in my arms while they turned the machine off.' "Ricky is devastated.

"Lucie idolised her dad and doted on him.

"She used to sit on his lap and give a lovely smile, suck her thumb and twiddle his ear as she looked into his eyes."

Mrs Bennett said Ricky devoted himself to caring for his four children - two of whom suffered from Batten disease.

Lucie's elder brother Conor, 17, was diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder 10 years ago.

Mrs Bennett said because it was hereditary all the other children were tested and Lucie proved positive.

Mrs Bennett said Lucie's eldest brother Ricky, 19, also had the defective gene but was doing well with a good job in the United States, while Jake, 12, did not have the disease at all.

Effects of Batten disease include blindness, speech impairment and loss of mobility.

Mrs Bennett said: "Lucie was a daddy's girl and I said to my son: I don't know many men who would have done what you did.' "He's devoted himself to his children and I feel so proud for the way he's looked after them.

"He's been a trooper."

Ricky worked at DEK International printing company on the Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth before moving his family to New Jersey.

Mrs Bennett said she was very sad not to be able to attend Lucie's funeral on Sunday in the United States, due to health problems but said her daughter Diane will be representing the family.

She said: "I miss Lucie so much. She was so beautiful, just like an angel.

"It's so very tragic when a child dies."