A HEARTBROKEN couple have paid a moving tribute to their courageous daughter who lost her battle against a rare bone condition four days after Christmas.

A HEARTBROKEN couple have paid a moving tribute to their courageous daughter who lost her battle against a rare bone condition four days after Christmas.

Nia Hart was only one of a handful of children across the country to suffer with osteopetrosis – a disease that prevents bone marrow forming and leads to blindness and brittle bones.

The condition causes the body to stop growing at the age of 10 and sufferers are unable to walk, but despite her illness the brave 11-year-old, whose 15-year-old sister Carly also has the disease, led a fun-packed life.

Speaking from the family home in Stutton Close, Stutton, her parents Joan, 46, and Steven, 41, paid a heartfelt tribute to their little girl, who was a pupil at the Thomas Wolsey School in Ipswich.

"It's been a wonderful 11 years but the end came so quickly. Despite all her problems she was still very happy and a normal, noisy girl. The house seems so quiet without her," said Mrs Hart.

"We prepared ourselves for the inevitable day but it still shocks you. Nia seemed just so strong and it just came out of the blue.

"It's really hard and we are struggling to come to terms with it because you think to yourself what's the point of living, but Carly's there and needs full-time attention," Mr Hart added.

Despite Nia's severe condition, the couple said their little girl had not spent a lot of time in hospital during her life and were shocked when she suddenly became ill.

Mr Hart said the youngster had been sprightly when she awoke on Christmas morning, however as the day progressed she started to feel unwell.

Nia, who also has a 23-year-old sister, Louise and a 21-year-old brother, Daniel, was admitted to Ipswich Hospital on December 27 suffering from a build up of fluid on the brain.

She was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London the next day but died a day later in her parent's arms.

The couple said their little girl adored visiting Alton Reservoir with her family and picnics in the park.

Despite being blind and unable to walk, Mr and Mrs Hart said she never complained about her disability and was loved by all her school carers and hospital staff.

"She had a wonderful personality and was very cheerful and full of life, even with all the problems that she had. She loved to feed the ducks," said Mrs Hart.