'Inspirational little boy' dies aged 16 months after devastating rare diagnosis

13 July 2023 , 04:42

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The parents of baby Rycroft are raising money in memory of their son

A grieving dad has spoken about his "smiley, sociable and inspirational little boy" who died after suffering an infection following a bone marrow transplant.

Andrew Foster and his partner Catherine Alport are raising money for three good causes in memory of their son Rycroft, who suffered from Shwachman Diamond Syndrome (SDS), a rare genetic condition, and died last month.

Andrew, originally from Bradford, described Rycroft as a very lively and 'shouty' little boy who was much loved by everyone, including his sister, who is three, reports Yorkshire Live.

In March Rycroft was was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital for a bone marrow transplant, and although the transplant was initially successful, he died a few months later after contracting an infection.

Andrew said his son had fought very hard but had been unlucky. "I wish he didn't have to go but he did. It was an incredible thing to be his dad."

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

He was described as a "smiley, sociable and inspirational little boy"

Andrew said Catherine had shown great courage in dealing with her grief while remaining a loving mother and a supportive partner. And he said the rugby league community had been very supportive, helping them to raise money for three good causes. Andrew is a big rugby fan, a supporter of Bradford Bulls and is a rugby league referee in his spare time.

Andrew and Catherine have been left devastated by their son's death but are determined to help other families facing similar circumstances.

Andrew said: "For a huge proportion of his short life he was cared for by the wonderful team on the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital.

Andrew and Catherine were left devastated but are determined to help other families

"We are devastated by his loss and want to raise funds to help other families who may go through what we have been through, and to raise awareness of the incredible work of the medical professionals who cared for him. We have chosen three charities that do amazing work to help children like Rycroft survive and thrive.

"All funds donated will be split evenly and will go to support these charities, who played such a huge role in giving Rycroft and us 16 wonderful months together, and give us hope that other families in a similar position will see their children grow up to live full and happy lives."

The three organisations are Great Ormond Street Hospital, the children's ward at Colchester Hospital and SDS UK.

Andrew and Catherine set up a JustGiving page which can be found here.

Andrew Robinson