Browns thank doctors and well-wishers for support

Gordon and Sarah Brown last night praised the hospital staff who looked after their daughter during her short life and thanked well-wishers for their support.

As the Chancellor and his wife were coming to terms with the death of 10-day-old Jennifer Jane, a spokesman for the family said: "Sarah and Gordon are deeply moved by the many messages of sympathy that they have received and thank all who have sent them.

"Sarah and Gordon wish to thank the midwives, doctors, nurses and all the dedicated staff of Forth Park and Simpson Maternity [hospitals] for their skill, care and consideration in nursing Jennifer.

"They did everything possible to help Jennifer, and Sarah and Gordon will always be in their debt."

Jennifer, who was born seven weeks premature, weighing just 2lb 4oz, died in her parents' arms on Monday after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

Medical staff in Edinburgh who cared for Jennifer praised the couple's courage and spoke of the precious time they spent with their daughter.

Dr Ian Laing, the consultant who looks after newborn babies at the Simpson hospital, said she had been cared for devotedly by her parents.

"Throughout Jennifer's short life, Gordon and Sarah Brown were closely involved in her care. She was a very pretty little girl, deeply loved by her parents," Dr Laing said. "They were with her throughout the days she spent with us. They frequently held her, stroked her and talked to her."

A spokesman for the Browns said Jennifer's funeral would be held on Friday.