DISTRAUGHT Suffolk parents today paid a touching tribute to their toddler son after his sudden death.Little Thomas Hamilton battled cerebral palsy since birth but his 18 months were fun-filled, despite being tainted by tragedy.

BY JON TUNNEY

jon.tunney@eveningstar.co.uk

DISTRAUGHT Suffolk parents today paid a touching tribute to their toddler son after his sudden death.

Little Thomas Hamilton battled cerebral palsy since birth but his 18 months were fun-filled, despite being tainted by tragedy.

Now his memory is set to live on after parents Kay and Richard posted a touching website telling the story of the tot they called Tinker.

They said: "Thomas touched so many lives in his short time with us. Mummy and daddy love you so very, very much Tinker.

"We will never understand why you were taken from us, but we hope you will be able to walk and talk in Heaven."

Thomas was born seven weeks premature and there were times when it looked like he would never join his parents at their Kesgrave home.

But the brave child battled his way home with expert help from medical staff.

Mr and Mrs Hamilton said: "From the very beginning, his life involved a tremendous fighting effort from Thomas and a great deal of expert intervention from the many healthcare professionals involved in Tom's care.

"We would like to firstly thank all those involved in seeing Thomas through his first few critical weeks.

"There were many times when it looked as if he would never make it home, we thank those who ensured he did indeed get to go home with mummy and daddy."

The couple also paid tribute to those who helped Thomas cope with home life despite his crippling illness and those who tried in vain to save his life.

"Our thanks go out to all the individuals and groups who made working to achieve his maximum potential such a rewarding and enjoyable experience – both for us and for him.

"The end of Tom's life was sudden, unexpected and all too soon.

"Although we cannot recall the names or faces of those involved, we acknowledge the effort made to resuscitate Thomas and those who offered words of comfort and support in the hours immediately following his death."

The final tribute on the touching www.tomtinker.com website is reserved for the tragic tot's family and friends.

"Finally, we would like to thank our family and friends for all the love and caring Thomas experienced throughout his short life.

"Tom's very obvious physical disabilities never precluded him from being involved in any social activity.

"All who knew him loved him and the many comments received saying what a happy little boy he was reinforces our opinion that despite his limitations he felt happy, secure and, above all, loved."

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 2 at Rushmere Church.

Flowers can be sent to Co-op Chapel of Rest, in Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, or donations to Suffolk School for Parents care of Co-op Funeral Services, 10 Upper Orwell Street, Ipswich IP4 1HW.