We've been trapped in raw grief for seven years.It's inhumane

Sophia's parents hope that inquiry finally brings answers | They were 'stonewalled' and hit with gagging order

- VIVIENNE AITKEN

A GRIEVING mum and dad have been "stonewalled every step of the way" as they fought for answers about their baby girl's death.

As little Sophia Smith's parents tend her grave on Easter Sunday - on what would have been her seventh birthday - they are praying the announcement of a fatal accident inquiry will finally get justice for the infant.

Theresa and Matthew Smith's "warrior princess" died aged just 11 days in 2017 in Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children after she picked up a rare hospital-acquired toxin infection which later developed into sepsis.

Theresa, 43, and Matthew, 53, have been fighting for answers ever since.

Legal constraints meant the couple have been gagged from speaking about their fight for justice until now.

But they are hoping the inquiry, which gets under way in May, will finally properly examine Sophia's last days. Their repeated attempts to get answers from NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde have failed.

Speaking for the first time, Theresa said: "Up until this point the health board have stonewalled us every step of the way. We have hit every brick wall they have thrown at us, absorbed every low blow and jumped every hurdle, all designed to wear us down. It has been merciless and a very long road.