The family of a “beautiful” little boy who died last year have donated more than £8,500 to The Treehouse hospice in Ipswich saying they are “forever grateful” for their support.
James Dwerryhouse, who attended Thomas Wolsey School, died at the hospice in August 2016 when his life support was turned off.
The youngster had been transferred there after suffering brain damage following an operation in London.
The seven-year-old, who was adored by those close to him, had a range of complex health needs.
He was fed through a tube and lived with conditions such as epilepsy and sleep apnoea, and regularly took part in activities such as music therapy sessions at the hospice.
His parents, John and Marguerite, said: “As a family, we’ll be forever grateful to The Treehouse. All the staff gave us the time to say goodbye and make memories, and provided an environment in which we could all focus on James.
“When your child dies, you are left with the memories and it’s only when you cannot make any more memories those that you have become so important.”
They added: “The Treehouse made memories with James when he was alive and after he died they helped us as a family with memory-making.”
An inquest into James’ death found he died from a hypoxic brain injury as a result of sleep apnoea. His family announced their intention to take legal action against Portland Hospital, where he was treated, back in July.
Through charity events including a superheroes midnight walk, relatives and friends managed to raise £8,584.55 by what would have been his ninth birthday on October 1, 2017.
The cash will pay for a day of care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
James’s siblings – university student Christopher, 21, pub chef Oliver, 18, and A-level students Beth, 17, and Peter, 16 – were recently presented with a trophy marking their fundraising efforts.
The hospice’s service manager Nathan Muskett said: “We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income so all contributions are greatly appreciated.
“It’s particularly special when families that benefit from our service decide to get involved with fundraising and it’s been fantastic to see the Dwerryhouses and their friends doing so many different things to support us.”
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