Loss of a child

Tests are underway to find out what killed three year old James Rhys Jones, who passed away in hospital on July 3. Last night his devastated parents Paul and Lucy Jones paid tribute to James, who went to Colwyn Bay’s Ashbourne House day nursery and Pen y Bryn play group.

The toddler had been prescribed antibiotics by the family GP for a chest infection, but had taken a turn for the worse and been referred to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on Sunday June 28.

After a few hours doctors decided he was OK to go home. “He was there for a few hours and he perked up,” said mum Lucy, 33. “The doctor was not concerned and we took him home.”

James‘ ill health continued until Thursday July 2, when he was re-admitted to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. X-rays showed he had mild pneumonia but his condition suddenly deteriorated. (Daily Post)

The loss of a child at any age is always a heart-wrenching matter. The loss of a new born baby is traumatic, but to lose a three year old, a child who has had three full years to become a valued part of a close family unit is almost inconceivable. There will, of course, be detailed tests and a complete autopsy to identify precisely what event ended his tragically short life and brought his parents such grief and despair.

What the event reminds us about is mortality. Ironically, in a week when science appears to hold the answers to creating life and extending life we are rudely faced with the simple fact that those with their lives ahead of them can still lose them. We extend our heartfelt compassion to the parents of this little boy in the certain knowledge that every parent will be doing the same. Nothing anyone can say can ever compensate for an event of this magnitude but we hope that the parents will eventually find some sort of peace of mind and be able once again to look forwad.