The little Palmerston North girl had come so far since battling almost every complication that can beset a premature baby some 20 blood transfusions, eye surgery, a series of infections and a type of pneumonia that nearly claimed her life just before Christmas.

The Peck family shared the story of how the surprisingly strong and happy little girl had survived those challenges early this year with the support of Hope, a group set up in the city for parents of premmies.

But today, Jo and dad Lou have to say their final goodbyes to their first and only child.

Their beloved daughter died in Palmerston North Hospital on Saturday, the region's first life snuffed out by swine flu......

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2665818/Little-Amelies-long-battle