The severely disabled six-year old girl who was who was the subject of more than �2000 of charity work by a Sidmouth shop has died.

On the eve of her seventh birthday, Ellie Libby, who had a terminal genetic disease, passed away on January 5.

Her parents had set up a charity which plans to offer relief to families with children suffering long term and life limiting illnesses.

In 2010 Fields of Sidmouth selected ‘Ellie’s Haven ‘as their charity of the year after the Libby family’s story had touched all the staff, and through a number of activities raised �2200.

One member of staff, waitress Becca in Fields’ coffee shop, walked 100 miles and collected more than �1200 in sponsorship money from customers and colleagues.

A spokesman for the store said they were honoured when Ellie was able to visit Fields in March last year.

They added: “The Libby family have shown such strength and devotion not only to Ellie but to their fundraising for a holiday home for families with sick children.

“We are very sad to hear of Ellie’s passing but know that she has left a huge legacy behind. We are very humbled to have known her.”

Television presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan are patrons of Ellie’s Haven, and said in a statement her death was ‘immensely sad news’.

They said: “Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Ellie, as we did, will know that in spite of the severe challenges she was confronted with, the pulse of life beat strongly within her.”

The charity is currently half-way to its target of �700,000 to build a new type of holiday haven in south-east Cornwall to enable families of terminally ill children to stay together whilst on holiday.

To make a donation to the charity visit www.justgiving.com/ellieshaven/Donate