THE heartbroken family of a young animal lover who lost her fight for life today said they hoped to open a horse and pony sanctuary in her name.

Devon Michelle Lord lost her battle with liver disease on Easter Sunday at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The 12-year-old suffered from a hereditary condition and had been waiting for a life-saving liver transplant.

The brave youngster had spent most of her life putting up a fight against the disease but her condition had worsened in the last six months.

Tearful parents Anthony and Lesley, of Dunoon Street, Burnley, today revealed the much-loved youngster had only discovered she would need a transplant before Christmas.

Lesley, 32, said: "She was a fun-loving person and was loved by everybody.

"She liked being with her friends and family but would keep them separate to spend quality time with each."

Devon's brother Anthony, 11, suffered from the same condition but received a liver transplant seven years ago.

Lesley said: "We were told it's because me and her dad are incompatible with our genes and only one in every four children would not be affected."

The couple believed Devon's condition was not serious enough to need a transplant but Lesley added: "Before Christmas they did a liver assessment and we were told she would need a transplant.

"She wanted Christmas at home so she went on the list on December 28 but from mid-February she went downhill."

Now the couple are looking to honour their brave daughter's memory. Anthony, 35, said his daughter had always loved the Winnie the Pooh character Eeyore the Donkey. He added: "She loved ponies and horses and in the future I would like to set up a sanctuary in her name.

"We could make donations to the hospital but she would not like that.

"She would feel she was helping people with a sanctuary."

Devon was a pupil at Gawthorpe High School in Padiham and a former pupil at Cherry Fold Primary School.

She also leaves behind her sister Brogan-Rose, six, her grandparents, and many friends and relatives who were beside her during her brave battle.

A funeral will take place on Monday, when the cortege will leave the family home at 11.30am, go along Cog Lane, where Devon grew up, and make its way to Burnley Crematorium for the service.