Advertisement

Parents of baby struck by meningitis share heartbreaking photo of the moment he died

Parents of a baby who was struck down with meningitis have shared the heartbreaking moment their son died in an attempt to raise awareness of the life-threatening infection.

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

Louise and John Done were forced to make the painful decision to switch off the life support of eight-month-old Harry after he was left brain damaged by meningitis B.

They initially believed he had a common cold but he died just one day after he was diagnosed.

Harry’s body had doubled in size and was covered in a purple rash.

Harry and Louise Done made the painful decision to turn off their baby's life support after his body was ravaged by meningitis (Caters)
Harry and Louise Done made the painful decision to turn off their baby’s life support after his body was ravaged by meningitis (Caters)

Speaking of their impossible decision, mum Louise said: “We didn’t want him to suffer anymore. We had a priest come to bless him and then they took him off the machines and we held him.

“That was the moment he passed away. He passed in my arms.

“Meningitis ravages them before your eyes. It’s unbelievable what it does. It eats you away.”

MORE: Someone has created a Donald Trump troll doll and it’s terrifying
MORE: Life expectancy will be higher than 90 in 2030, according to new research

She added: “I knew he wouldn’t wake up, he was looking in my eyes and I told him I would be here when he wakes up.”

The last moments of Harry’s life as he was cradled and kissed by his loving parents have now been shared to raise awareness of the importance of having babies vaccinated for MenB.

Babies born after July 2015 have the vaccination included in the childhood immunisation programme since September the same year – but the change was made after Harry died.

Louise kissed her baby Harry tenderly at the moment that he died (Caters)
Louise kissed her baby Harry tenderly at the moment that he died (Caters)

Harry’s parents have taken the brave step of sharing their last pictures with their son in the hope of raising awareness of the disease so that others will not have to suffer in the way that they did.

In the images released, one sees Louise cradle Harry in her arms, his body ‘unrecognisable’ and large parts of his hands, fingers, feet and legs turned black and stiff with blood poisoning.

Since the passing of Harry, Louise has been raising awareness to the importance of getting babies vaccinated for MenB.

From September 2015 this vaccination was included in the childhood immunisation programme for children born on or after July 2015. Sadly this change was made after the loss of Harry.

Babies born before this time are able to pay to have the vaccination in places like Boots.

Louise, from Bolton, in Greater Manchester, said: “I was never aware that you could get a vaccination privately but it’s a small price to pay for something that could save lives.”

Louise has raised £20,059 for Meningitis Now since the loss of Harry to help other families who are suffering. Donations can be made at http://harryjohn.done.muchloved.com/

More information about meningitis and the meningitis B vaccine can be found on the NHS website.

Top pic: Caters