05 April 2023 , 23:16
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Jay Blades seemed to get emotional on the latest episode of The Repair Shop when a couple shared the story behind a "precious" item that they wanted to have repaired.
This week's episode of the BBC show introduced viewers to Emese Carter-Whittley and Luke Carter-Whittley, who had brought along a sentimental item to be restored.
They had brought along a photo frame which contained ceramic footprints and a photo of their late son David, who they revealed had passed away at five months old.
Emese told host Jay, 53, and ceramics expert Kirsten Ramsay: "We did the footprints at the hospital a couple of days before he passed away so it's really precious to us."
Luke Carter-Whittley (left) and Emese Carter-Whittley (right) appeared on this week's episode of The Repair Shop (BBC)It was later revealed that David and his twin Joshua had been born prematurely at 26 weeks. Emese said she been able to take her children home after months in the hospital.
The Repair Shop guest in tears after sharing harrowing story behind painting
She however revealed that she ended up taking David to A&E one night and said he had cardiac arrest. She said that it was then discovered that he had "a very serious heart condition and the doctors couldn't do anything for him".
Emese said: "The hardest [thing] was cause they said that we could decide when wanted the life-support to be turned off. And I said to Luke, 'I can't decide it'. As a mother, you should never ..."
They wanted to have ceramic footprints belonging to their late son David restored (BBC)Emese was consoled by Luke as she got upset. He added: "Those last days are just etched on your heart forever, y'know? [It was] just precious to be able to say goodbye".
Jay appeared to have a tear running down his face as the couple shared their story. The presenter seemed teary-eyed as he continued to listen to Emese and Luke.
She later commented about the item they had brought with them: "We would just love to see our little boy's perfect little footprints as they were."
Jay Blades seemed emotional as the couple discussed their late son (BBC)Following the departure of Emese and Luke from the barn, Jay was seen exhaling and appeared to be composing himself after hearing about their family.
Later in the episode, Emese and Luke returned to see the repaired ceramic footprints. The couple were grateful for the restoration work that had been conducted by Kirsten.
Sharing her thoughts, Emese said: "This will be now a reminder of him and a comfort. [...] You've done a very, very good job. Thank you."
Jay described Emese and Luke as "very brave" for sharing their story when he appeared as a guest on The One Show alongside his colleague Kirsten earlier this week.
The couple later returned and were grateful to have the ceramic footprints restored (BBC)Discussing the restoration of "precious items", he said: "David's footprints there, that was very brave of the family to come in and speak about what happened."
The Repair Shop's Jay Blades praises 'brave' guest over heart-wrenching ceramic
"And then entrust in Kirsten to actually work on them. It's a very powerful show. I mean, you guys see it, but when you're there, it is just unbelievable," he added.
The Repair Shop continues next Wednesday (April 12) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm. You can catch up on previous episodes through BBC iPlayer now.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at childbereavementuk.org or you can call them on 0800 02 888 40.