Twin baby’s death devastates family

Other tot was being treated for meningitis

A FAMILY have been left heartbroken after the sudden death of their tiny daughter while her twin was being treated for meningitis.

Kiara Wharmby had been given the all-clear after brother Bailey was diagnosed with the potentially fatal infection.

But she was just seven weeks old when she died after sleeping on the sofa next to her dad, Peter Wharmby, at the family home in Seventh Avenue, Limeside. An inquest heard yesterday that the twins had been healthy when they were born four weeks premature.

But the family’s world was torn apart when Bailey, who is now doing well, was diagnosed with meningitis.

Mum Jaqueline Owens, a bakery assistant, was at hospital with Bailey on January 28, last year, while her partner got their large family up and prepared for the day.

He then dozed off with Kiara sleeping against the side of the settee — something he had done in the past with his other children.

When he woke he realised that something was wrong with the tot and she was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

She was pronounced dead and a post-mortem examination could not ascertain the cause of death.

Coroner Simon Nelson described the last 12 months as a nightmare for the family and said: “What you were going through with Bailey must have been so anxious and emotionally draining.”

He said that Mr Wharmby must have been completely worn out, adding “You would, I imagine to be, verging on exhaustion.”

Recording an open verdict, he said that he could not be sure how Kiara died.

He stressed that there was no “finger of suspicion” or criminally suspicious circumstances, but highlighted an incontrovertible link between sudden infant deaths and unconventional sleeping arrangements.

He added: “I do hope your children will grow along with you and bring you tremendous joy, and that you will also retain very fond memories of the pleasure Kiara gave each of you in her very short life.”