THE mum of a “charming, popular and clever” schoolgirl who died last year has opened up about her struggle to carry on without her.

Olivia Diamond died in October from acute myocarditis, a type of heart infection, four days after falling ill with flu.

The 12-year-old, who would have been 13 in April, was just days away from receiving a life-saving vaccinat- ion.

Her devastated mum Angela Diamond has since thrown her efforts into launching her own charity but admits the past nine months have been a bumpy ride.

Angela said: “I have got to focus my mind on something.

“Five weeks ago I was really struggling and then I found out my mum was poorly, so I considered the unthinkable.”

This week, Angela visited Olivia’s former primary school, where she saw 11-year-old Maddie Davies given the inaugural Olivia Diamond Music Award .

Maddie was handed the award after impressing teachers at Peel Park Primary School with her enthusiasm, both while playing the clarinet and performing in the school’s choir.

Headteacher Judith Williams, said: “We want to remember Olivia’s love of music, singing and performance by awarding this trophy.

“Olivia was so young and had so much to live for.

“She loved life to the full and always had a smile on her face which lit up the room.

“This award will be given each year in her memory to a child who is enthusiastic and has a love of music.”

Olivia’s love of music was so strong that once she auditioned for Hyndburn’s Got Talent. The award will now be handed out to a young star every year.

Angela said she launched Liv’s Legacy to raise awareness of myocarditis in a bid to prevent further tragedies.

She also hopes to raise £40,000 to potentially fund a heart scanner to help medics spot the condition’s deadly signs.

Angela said: “It is about getting it out there that myocarditis is a silent killer and it took my daughter.

“I am still taking it day by day. I struggle in Accrington because I am so close to Olivia’s school and I see her friends all the time.

“My main aim is to move out of Accrington with my children and enjoy Olivia’s memory somewhere else.”