United in grief for little Jake, 2

TRIBUTE . . . Lynda and Peter Wakerley with a photo of grandson Jake

A GRIEVING grandmother has paid tribute to her “beautiful and perfect” grandson who died suddenly from a brain tumour.

Jake Kershaw, who celebrated his second birthday in August, died last Friday.

His family, who are Manchester United fans, have asked mourners to wear either the team shirt or bright colours for the service on Monday.

And the club itself has agreed to release two special editions of the new season’s kit for Jake and his father David to wear.

Grandmother Lynda Wakerley (60), of Downhill Close, Oldham, described Jake as a happy, intelligent and playful little boy who loved cuddles and Thomas the Tank Engine.

She said: “God sends some special children every so often but unfortunately these children aren’t left long with us.”

Mrs Wakerley said Jake had suffered from sudden vomiting in the months before he died, but doctors could find no cause.

She said: “He was a healthy, happy youngster, but we did see some things that weren’t right.

“He was walking round with his head to the side and would sometimes suddenly start screaming and crying and being violently sick.

“He was taken to the doctors a number of times and was examined at Booth Hall, but no one could find anything wrong.”

Jake, from Moston, lived with his dad David Kershaw, mum Carly Rogers and his three-month-old brother Charlie.

The day before he died he was sick in the afternoon and taken to see a doctor.

Mrs Wakerley said: “The doctor said he was fine and we thought he just had a bit of a cold.

“Jake wasn’t too well when he went to bed so he slept in the same bed as his dad but woke him up at 3am trying to be sick.

“When David woke again at 5am, Jake wouldn’t wake up.”

The youngster was rushed to Booth Hall but despite best efforts by the medical team, he did not regain consciousness.

Mrs Wakerley said they had not realised Jake’s symptoms were of a brain tumour.

“We are a very close family and the support we have received from relatives has been brilliant.”

The service and committal will be held at Altrincham Crematorium at 11.30am and the family have requested no mourning colours.

Family flowers only and donations to New Children’s Hospital Appeal or Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity on 0161- 928 2000 or www.justgiving.com/jakelucasdavid kershaw.