Couple whose son choked to death at nursery welcome new baby with touching name

15 January 2023 , 14:55

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Zoe Steeper and Lewis Steeper with their new son Jake (Image: Lewis Steeper / SWNS)

A couple whose baby boy tragically died after choking at his nursery have celebrated the birth of their second child just over a year later.

Tiny Jake Oliver Steeper was given the middle name of his late brother - which his mum and dad say will form "a bond only brothers could have".

Oliver Steeper was just nine months old when he died after the incident at the former Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Kingsnorth, Ashford, Kent, in September 2021.

Since his death his mum Zoe, 32 and dad Lewis, 37, have become active campaigners for stronger safety regulations in childcare settings.

Jake Oliver Steeper's middle name is a tribute to his big brother (Lewis Steeper / SWNS)

The couple campaigned against the proposed relaxation of rules on the ratio of staff to children in care settings.

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Thanks to their efforts the issue is currently being debated in Parliament.

Baby Jake was born 16 months later on Tuesday and weighed 8lb 4oz.

Speaking from the maternity ward Mr Steeper, a surveyor, said: "Since the passing of Oliver, Zoe becoming pregnant with Jake and the whirlwind of a mentally-changing emotional rollercoaster, we are absolutely overjoyed at Jake's arrival last night at the William Harvey Hospital.

“Jake takes the middle name of Oliver, forming a bond only brothers can have, and allowing Oliver's special memory and legacy to live on within our little family.

"Mum and baby are doing exceptionally well this morning following a few hours sleep and a very silent Jake.

Jake's older brother Oliver tragically died after choking at his nursery (Lewis Steeper / SWNS)

Oliver was just nine months old when he died in September 2021 (Lewis Steeper / SWNS)

"We would like to thank all the staff, midwives and doctors at the William Harvey for their precious and understanding care through the whole process of Jake's arrival.

"We look forward to a few more days under the hospital's care before taking Jake home to embark on the next chapter of our journey."

An inquest into Oliver's death was opened in August but it has since been adjourned to allow an ongoing police investigation to be concluded.

The hearing at County Hall in Maidstone was told how the infant died of a brain injury and heart attack at Evelina London Children's Hospital six days after choking on food at his day care.

The cause of death was given as a brain injury and cardio-respiratory arrest following "aspiration of foodstuffs during a choking episode.”

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Following the tragic incident, Ofsted closed the nursery in Field View on a temporary basis pending a full investigation into "serious safeguarding concerns" in the lead up to Oliver's death.

However, parents and carers were later informed that the owner of the nursery had voluntarily shut the facility down.

Rhys Griffiths