Grieving mum's warning to other parents after one-year-old daughter died in her sleep from FLU

Joelle Hughes tucked her daughter Lulabelle into bed and kissed her goodnight before finding her not breathing later that night

Lulabelle had not displayed any symptoms of being ill before her mum put her to bed

A grieving mother has issued a desperate warning to other parents after her one-year-old daughter died in her sleep from flu .

Joelle Hughes is urging other parents to get their children vaccinated against flu after she discovered Lulabelle wasn't breathing just hours after kissing her goodnight and putting her to bed.

In an emotional post on Facebook , Joelle, from Kent, wrote: "We finally have the answers behind Lulabelle's death, I'm relieved but also devastated that something so simple can easily be prevented which is exactly why I feel this is vital to share with all of you guys on my Facebook.

"Lulabelle's post mortem has come back showing influenza, she went to bed with no symptoms of any illness so it would have been the very beginning of the flu.

Joelle Hughes said her 'angel' was taken from her too soon

Joelle Hughes urged other parents to vaccinate their children against flu

"It's likely she developed respiratory problems whilst she slept.

"Please I beg people when the winter months come, go to your GP and book your children in for the flu vaccine! Lula's tiny body just couldn't cope and resulted in her being taken from us far too early."

Flu vaccines are not routinely available to babies or one-year-olds, but nasal spray vaccines are provided for free on the NHS for children aged two, three and four.

Primary school pupils in years one, two and three are also eligible for the free vaccination.

The effects of influenza on young children can range from mild symptom to a high fever and severe respiratory problems, but infant deaths are rare.

Lulabelle died of influenza in her sleep just hours after her mum kissed her goodnight

In January the mum-of-two, who was named the prettiest ever Jeremy Kyle guest when she appeared on the chat show in 2015, issued a heartfelt tribute to little monkey Lulabelle.

Joelle, also mum to son Teddy, wrote on Facebook : "My life, my angel, my beautiful soul of a daughter was taken from us so suddenly. She went to bed Friday her happy cheeky self, she was a little monkey whilst I tried to brush her teeth.

"We gave her cuddles and kisses like usual and tucked her into bed. I found her later that evening not breathing.

Vaccines can be given to young children in the form of a nasal spray 

"I tried so hard to get my angel back but for whatever reason my little girl is needed up there.

"She was a perfect one-year-old baby girl who loved more than anything to dance, have cuddles and play with her big brother. She will be loved dearly by everyone forever.

"I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your kind words and amazing support."

A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend raised £6,295 for the infant's funeral.

Family and friends are now organising fundraising walk in Lulabelles memory, with money raised going to the Lullaby Trust a charity which supports families who have lost babies and young children.