Dexter’s DNA could hold key clue to help others

DEXTER with mum and dad, James and Gemma

A MOORSIDE couple are turning heartbreak into hope following the death of their son.

James Cook and Gemma Littley, of Heys Farm, were devastated when Dexter died less than a month after his first birthday last May.

They channelled their grief into creating a legacy for Dexter - and have so far raised £5,000 for mobile sensory equipment.

The parents have also allowed Dexter’s DNA to be used in pioneering research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, where scientists discovered he had a heart condition so rare it doesn’t even have a name.

Though the research is in its early days, scientists believe it may help to find answers as why some infants die with no obvious explanation.

Gemma (33) said: “Nothing will bring Dexter back, but if his DNA can help to find out more about why children die in this way, when they haven’t shown any previous signs of being ill, it is obviously a good thing.

“We need answers about why Dexter died. I fed him and put him to bed that night, so for a long time, I blamed myself. You don’t think you have to worry about cot death when your child reaches its first birthday and he’d never showed any signs of being ill.

She added: “Because we didn’t know how Dexter had died, we didn’t have a charity in mind so we decided to raise money for sensory equipment, as he had enjoyed using that.

Find out more about the fundraising at www.dexterslight.org.uk