A SEVEN-year-old girl was misdiagnosed with a stomach bug two days before she died from acute appendicitis.

Schoolgirl Malaika Adam was told she had gastroenteritis by an out-of-hours doctor two days before she died.

Chelmsford Coroner’s Court heard on Friday the youngster, from Polsteads, Vange, had been complaining of diarrhoea for two days before seeing the doctor.

Malaika’s mum, Donna Howe, said: “I asked the doctor could it be her appendix and I was told no. I’ve lost one of the most precious things in my life. There are no words to describe what a loss it is, to be honest.”

The inquest heard Malaika saw the doctor on May 13 this year.

Two days after she visited the doctor, she continued to deteriorate and suffered cardiac arrest.

The St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School pupil was rushed to Basildon Hospital on May 15, but sadly died suddenly at 10.44pm.

A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death as peritonitis, caused by acute appendicitis with perforation, meaning her appendix had burst and released bacteria into her body.

Hundreds of people turned out for Malaika’s funeral at St Basil’s and her school held a special assembly and released white helium balloons to celebrate her life.

Pink and purple balloons were seen all over Vange after her brothers and sisters decorated the funeral route.

Coroner Mrs Beasley-Murray adjourned the inquest into Malaika’s death until the week beginning September 28.

MALAIKA’S family plan to build a garden in her memory.

They are planning a fundraising walk to build a memorial garden at their home in Polsteads, Vange.

Mum Donna, 38, said: “Malaika was always playing in the garden with her brothers and sisters and we thought it would be a good way to remember her.

“She used to play with her two-year-old sister Khaleesi in the garden and now she keeps asking where Malaika has gone.

“We thought it would be a good thing for Khaleesi to have to work on. Her hair has started to fall out because of all of this and this will be a way for her to focus and remember her sister.”

The family hope to plant a cherry tree and plants in memory of Malaika, who left behind 11 brothers and sisters.

The fundraising walk, which is open to anyone, will take place on July 18 from Chalkwell station at noon and go along the seafront.

Donna said: “We’re grateful for all the support we’ve received and if people want to donate we would really appreciate it.”

The family hope to raise about £1,200 for the garden.

To find out more, visit the Facebook group “Malaika (Angel) Adams Fund Raising Group”.