Lila Marsland Dies Hours After Tonsillitis Diagnosis; Heartbroken Mum Rachael Mincherton Demands Answers

HYDE, GREATER MANCHESTER – The grieving mother of a five-year-old girl has shared the heartbreaking story of how her daughter tragically passed away just hours after being discharged from hospital with a misdiagnosed case of tonsillitis.

Little Lila Marsland, described as “adorable” and full of life, was taken to Tameside Hospital in December 2023 by her mother, Rachael Mincherton, a nurse, after showing signs of neck pain, headache, and vomiting.

Rachael, 36, suspected meningitis—a potentially fatal infection that causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. However, doctors reportedly diagnosed tonsillitis and sent Lila home with oral antibiotics.

Tragically, the next morning, Rachael found Lila unresponsive at around 9:00 AM. Despite the swift arrival of paramedics, the young girl could not be revived.

“When we arrived home from hospital, I slept with Lila that night. When I woke up, she was unresponsive. The paramedics did everything they could, but it was too late. At that moment, our family changed forever,” said Rachael.

Remembering Lila Marsland

Lila is remembered as a kind, gentle soul with a zest for life. She loved dancing, cheerleading, playing with friends, and being part of her local Rainbows group.

“She had so many friends. Teachers adored her. When I picked her up, it would take half an hour to leave school because she wanted to hug everyone,” her mother said.

“Lila’s Light” – A Legacy of Love

In Lila’s memory, Rachael and her partner Darren Marsland, 42, created “Lila’s Light”, a charity supporting bereaved siblings by distributing special bereavement bags in hospitals.

Their fundraising efforts have already collected over £10,000, through events like family fun days and charity football matches.

“No one thinks they’ll ever be in this position. Fundraising helps us keep Lila’s memory alive and support other grieving families,” Rachael shared.

Inquest and Legal Action

An eight-day inquest is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Manchester South Coroner’s Court in Stockport. Preliminary tests have reportedly found signs of meningitis bacteria in the fluid surrounding Lila’s brain.

The family is being represented by Irwin Mitchell, a medical negligence law firm. Jack Bookey, the family’s lawyer, said: “The inquest is a major milestone to help the family get the answers they deserve. If issues in Lila’s care are found, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.”

Response from Hospital

The Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Tameside Hospital, has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.

How to Support “Lila’s Light”

Those interested in supporting the charity or learning more can visit the official “Lila’s Light” Facebook page for updates and donation details.