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Candlelight vigil pays tribute to toddler who passed away

London McConnell of Langley honoured at vigil in Abbotsford
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A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night at Abbotsford’s Mill Lake Park in memory of London McConnell, age 17 months. (Dustin Godfrey/Abbotsford News)

A candlelight vigil Sunday night in Abbotsford paid tribute to a Langley baby girl who passed away on Friday.

The vigil at Mill Lake Park drew about 150 people, who gathered at the gazebo next to the water park to remember London Mirielle McConnell, 17 months old.

Several people spoke, and songs that were sung included You Are My London and a twist on You Are My Sunshine, which mom Jade Shievink often sang to her daughter.

At the end, candles were placed at a memorial spot.

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London was born 17 weeks premature on Oct. 25, 2017 at Surrey Memorial Hospital, weighing one pound, two ounces. The family was told that their tiny baby likely wouldn’t make it, but she beat the odds.

Schievink, her husband Cody McConnell, and their children Ayla, 7, Kashton, 5, and London recently moved from Langley to Surrey.

Four weeks ago, London had to be rushed to BC Children’s Hospital, where she was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with what appeared to be pneumonia.

Tests revealed she had parainfluenza, a common virus that can cause both upper and lower respiratory infections.

The family previously went public with their story after a GoFundMe campaign was started to help them raise money for expenses – including hotel accommodation, food, parking and time off from work – during London’s hospital stay.

– with files from Dan Ferguson and Miranda Fatur

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A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night at Abbotsford’s Mill Lake Park in memory of London McConnell, age 17 months. (Dustin Godfrey/Abbotsford News)
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A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night at Abbotsford’s Mill Lake Park in memory of London McConnell, age 17 months. Here, a friend of the family addresses the crowd. (Dustin Godfrey/Abbotsford News)
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Jade Schievink with daughter London. (File photo)