Mum's heartbreak after 'gorgeous' toddler who was 'so happy' dies suddenly

21 June 2023 , 09:43

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Healthy Raphaël Labrousse-Stanyon was just 22 months when he died suddenly at home (Image: Nicola Stanyon)

A heartbroken family have paid a loving tribute to their "gorgeous" little boy after he died suddenly.

Raphaël Labrousse-Stanyon was just 22 months when he died at his home in Southport, Merseyside.

Parents Nicola Stanyon, and Xavier Labrousse put him to bed "as normal" on May 31, but tragically, the next morning he had died.

Mum Nicola told the Liverpool ECHO of her heartbreak as she described her second-born son as a "gorgeous little boy".

Raphaël, who was born on July 9, 2021, was rushed to Southport Hospital where he was pronounced dead before being transferred to Alder Hey to allow his family the chance to say goodbye.

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Nicola said: "He was 22 months old. He was a gorgeous little boy, really energetic and really healthy.

"He had a great relationship with his (older) brother and six-week old sister. He threw himself into anything and everything."

Post-mortem results have come back inconclusive as the family are yet to find out what happened on that tragic night but investigations by the coroner are ongoing.

In her loving tribute, Nicola added: "I've never known a child smile so much.

"He was so happy. He'd fall over and bang his head and he would get up and smile, he was so happy.

"His big brother was his best friend and partner in crime. And he loved cuddles with his little sister.

"He loved dinosaurs, he was obsessed with them and he loved eating cake, he loved going the café and he loved singing and dancing.

"We've had a lot of support, especially from Alder Hey, they've been brilliant, the Snowdrops team have been great."

Nicola said: "It's only just happened so we know so little. He is so missed by us and his family. We miss who you were and who you were going to be."

According to the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) charity, SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child between one and 18 years of age, which remains unexplained after a thorough investigation is conducted.

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Co-founded by three bereaved mothers, SUDC UK aims to help make SUDC predictable and preventable by raising awareness and funding crucial research. More information about the charity can be found here.

Raphaël's funeral will be held on Monday, June 26 at 9.30am at the Holy Family Church. All enquiries can be directed to FJ Gibb Funeral Directors.

The youngster will be greatly missed by his mum Nicola, dad Xavier, big brother Lionel, little sister Eleonore and loving family and friends.

Aaliyah Rugg