A family have spoken of their grief after a happy and healthy two-year-old girl fell asleep during a short car journey – and never woke up.

Teagan Finnemore-Todd died as her dad Matthew drove her and brother Bailey (four) to spend Christmas with their uncle in Lincoln.

The little girl had asked for her dummy in the car and, after being given it, went to sleep in her car seat.

But it was only when they arrived in Lincoln that the family saw the toddler's lips had turned blue and she had stopped breathing.

They desperately tried to revive her, but by the time paramedics arrived there was nothing more that could be done.

There was no apparent cause of death and it was later determined that she had suffered Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

"She was such a bubbly little girl who loved life," said Mr Finnemore (23).

"Her older brother keeps asking about her. We tell him that she's gone to be a big star in the sky but he doesn't really understand that he won't see her again.

"Her favourite things were playing in the garden and kicking a football with her brother. The family is devastated."

Now her uncle, Lee Vickerstaff, of Nightingale Crescent, Lincoln, has organised a fundraising event and is determined to raise awareness of the killer condition.

"It was such an awful time, especially at Christmas" he said. "We had to try to carry on as best we could – for Bailey."

Anyone who wants to donate prizes or money should call Lee Vickerstaff on (01522) 824578 or take them directly to the Wildlife pub.

For the full story see Friday's Lincolnshire Echo.