A toddler tragically died after being fed a diet made up mostly of cow’s milk, leaving her so severely anaemic that doctors could not save her. Anaya Khaanan, just 21 months old, was rushed to Royal Blackburn Hospital on July 22 last year after suddenly falling severely ill at home in Burnley, but she died before medics could give her a life‑saving blood transfusion. An inquest heard the youngster had been offered solid foods but was unable to eat enough to get the iron she
desperately needed, Lancs Live reports. Preston Coroners’ Court held an inquest on Tuesday (June 16), headed by Area Coroner Kate Bisset, during which the court was told that Anaya had been born in Pakistan. The cause of death was recorded as severe anaemia caused by a milk-based diet. The coroner returned a narrative conclusion and said: “Anaya Khaanan died on the 22nd July 2025 at the Royal Blackburn hospital as a consequence of severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet. “Anaya was offered solid
foods but was unable to consume sufficient oral intake to meet her iron needs, particularly when she became tired as her anaemia progressed. “Anaya had been seen by the GP who ordered blood tests to take place and she was also seen at the urgent treatment centre on the 10th July 2025. At that time, a diagnosis was made of urinary tract infection and no blood tests were undertaken as they were not clinically indicated by her presentation on that date. “Anaya became more unwell
overnight between the 21st and 22nd July 2025 and was taken to hospital where plans was instigated for a blood transfusion to take place. Anaya deteriorated and died prior to the transfusion taking place.” Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.
Anaya Khaanan, severe anaemia, milk-based diet, cow's milk, blood transfusion, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Burnley, Preston Coroners' Court, Kate Bisset