THE parents of a baby boy who died after a short illness have said they are overwhelmed at the support they have received from friends, family, and strangers who have been moved to get in touch.

Joey Patrick Bedford was just ten months old when he died following what initially appeared to be a normal viral infection, on June 17, at Newcastle RVI.

His devastated parents, Jordan and Gina Bedford, from Nunthorpe, said since the loss of Joey they have found purpose in a fundraising campaign in his memory – although the recipient of the funds is as yet undecided.

Joey's funeral took place on Wednesday, July 1, at St Mary the Virgin Church, Nunthorpe, which included a reading from his favourite book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and featured butterfly floral wreaths and bumble bee soft toys, as his nickname had been 'Little B' for his surname.

Mr Bedford, 30, said Joey, born July 24, 2019, was a happy baby, who was full of life and fun.

He said: “He was absolutely star of the show in all of our lives. He was both of our parents’ first grandchild and was so loved by them and his aunties.

“He wasn’t a baby you could put down and have a cup of tea – he was always on the go. We think he was going to skip the crawling stage because he had been shuffling around backwards but then standing up and cruising around the furniture.

“Joey loved the ducks that came to visit our garden from a nearby pond. He would bang on the window and shout, he was so excited. He was always kept busy at lots of baby groups – Gina would have him at about three a day before lockdown, including a baby opera class which he loved. He had so many lovely experiences, including his first family holiday to the Lake District with all our family when he was two months old.”

The start of lockdown was a blissful period for the family. Mr Bedford said despite missing grandparents, they loved being together every day.

He said: “We would go for long walks and Joey would play in his paddling pool.”

However, towards the end of May, Joey became unwell.

Over a three week period, Mr and Mrs Bedford took Joey to the doctor and A&E five times, after what had started as normal viral symptoms were not improving.

They then took Joey to a walk-in clinic, where he had a seizure and was rushed to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough. It became apparent there was something not right with Joey’s brain as it was showing signs of swelling.

Joey was moved to Newcastle RVI, where within 12 hours of arrival he underwent blood tests, a CT scan, MRI scan, lumber puncture and ultrasound scan.

Despite being seen by several specialists including cancer consultants, it was still unclear what was causing the problem. Joey was placed into Neuro Protection - an induced coma - to allow his brain to rest.

While in hospital, Joey had two blood transfusions, emergency CT scans, and emergency surgery repairing a burst blood vessel by specialist surgeons.

Mr Bedford said: “Unfortunately, the treatment could not stop the swelling in Joey’s brain despite the doctor’s best efforts. This is ultimately what took Joey’s life as thee swelling stopped the oxygen from reaching his brain. At this stage its still unclear what triggered the swelling and investigations are ongoing.

Mr Bedford added: “All the NHS staff have been absolutely amazing. There were two nurses in particular who pushed for Gina and I to both be able to stay with Joey, as under the current guidelines that’s not really allowed.

“We are really lucky to have such a close family. Without them we would struggle to be in our house as it just feels too empty. We both feel like everything is meaningless, we just can’t remember what life was like without him.

“But we have been so overwhelmed with love and support. Even neighbours on our estate that we didn’t know before have come to our door, offering to do our supermarket shop and bringing gifts.”

Mrs Bedford’s sister, Sophie Cox, has helped to set up a Just Giving page in Joey’s memory. They have already raised more than £3,600.

To donate, click here.