Dad’s bittersweet vow to newborn daughter after mum dies soon after childbirth

"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to write..."

A new dad has promised to raise his newborn daughter "as her mother would have" after her mum passed away shortly after childbirth. Kolin Khuen-Kryk and Emma Luxton became parents to little Athena Bethany on February 28. Days later, Kolin announced that his "soulmate" Emma had passed away following heart complications after childbirth. He paid a touching tribute to her on social media, as he made an emotional vow to his young daughter. He said on Facebook:

"This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write. "After giving birth to themost amazing baby girl on Wednesday, my soulmate and my Favourite, Emma Luxton, passed away from heart complications after labour. "She may have passed on but she has left me and the world the most amazing gift. "Athena Bethany Khuen-Kryk was born at 2.28pm on the 28th of February. "Weighing 5lbs 4oz and 47cm. She is more beautiful than Icould of ever dreamed of. "I will do everything I can to raise [her] as her mother would have and Athena will always know how special Emma was to all of us."

Friends and family have rallied around Kolin and Athena Bethany - and Emma's best friend Agata has every faith he will excel at being a parent. She told Kidspot:

"Kolin is being as strong as he can be through this time, he has the support behind him from all but he is being a wonderfully father to little Athena. "Athena spent her first night home last night and she is currently sleeping but is snug like a bug. She looks like her mum and has the vocal cords of hers too. "Emma is going to live through her daughter, her family, her friends but most of all her biggest passion in life, her music."

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help support Kolin and Athena Bethany. You can find it here.