Cheadle baby death: family’s loving tribute to nine-month-old baby who died after nursery incident

A family whose baby died following an incident at a nursery in Cheadle have paid tribute to their ‘wonderful, unique and special’ little girl.

Police were called to Tiny Toes Children’s Day Nursery on Mellor Road on 9 May this year to a report of a child suffering a ‘medical episode.’ The little girl, named only as Genevieve, was taken to hospital but sadly died. Today, Genevieve’s family paid tribute to her in a statement issued via GMP.

They said: “On the afternoon of 9 May 2022, our world turned very dark. We are devastated beyond words at the loss of our beloved Genevieve. She was so wanted and so treasured. Her absence is the wound that will never heal.

“Genevieve was not just a baby. She was a wonderful, unique and special person. She was an individual with her likes and dislikes, her passions and her joys. She loved to be cuddled, to dance and to play with her toys, particularly her tambourine. Most of all she loved to spend time with her family, and we loved and cherished every moment that we spent with her.

“She had the most beautiful smile and enchanting emerald eyes. To know that we will not get to hear her mischievous laugh again, or hold her hand, is almost too much to bear.

“We grieve for everything we have lost, but most of all we grieve for her, for a life filled with promise and opportunity that was cut so short. We cannot accept the cruelty and unfairness of this.

“She gave us so much in the short time that she was with us. We are different and better people for having had her in our lives. She is and will always remain a vital and integral member of our family. She will never be forgotten.

“We are grateful to Greater Manchester Police and other services for the support they have provided to us. Genevieve deserves justice and we will not rest until she gets it.”

Greater Manchester police said two women who were initially arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter were later bailed pending further investigation, and, as of 12 October, a third person was arrested on suspicion of child neglect.

The Ofsted website lists Tiny Toes Children’s Day Nursery as being closed and a statement on 24 October says the provider resigned their resignation. Ofsted had already suspended their registration on 10 May following the tragedy.