Parent's heartbreaking message to Carter Cookson on anniversary of their second son's death

Carter John Cookson tragically passed away at just over three weeks old on January 19, 2019, after losing his fight to find a vital organ.

Having been born prematurely on Boxing Day 2018, the baby boy suffered three cardiac arrests within his first few hours.

His parents Chris and Sarah Cookson were told his only chance of survival was a heart transplant and they launched a nationwide appeal to find him a donor, but after 25 days he was too tired to carry on.

It was a second tragedy for the South Shields couple, who lost their son Charlie aged two in 2013.

But showing incredible courage, they have kept their boy’s memory alive through the Charlie and Carter Foundation, helping other families of seriously ill children.

Now on the anniversary of Carter’s death Sarah has spoken of the “suffocating” pain of losing him, but also their gratitude for having had the chance to be a “mammy and daddy again”.

In the heartbreaking message, posted on The Charlie and Carter Foundation Facebook page Sarah wrote: “No parent should have to say goodbye to their child, but to have to watch your child take their last breath for the second time is like living in hell without them.”

She also thanked their loved ones and the nurses who made his last hours “as precious as they could.”

Sarah added: “To our baby boy Carter, we thank you from the bottom of our aching hearts for choosing us to be your Mammy and Daddy, you were beautiful, brave, strong, feisty and you reminded us what it was like to be a real life Mammy and Daddy again even if it was just 25 days. I feel blessed to have been your Mammy, if only it could have been until my last breath.

“We love you until it hurts and will do forever. I know your big brother will be giving you extra big hugs today we will do our very best for you both always.”

The charity invited people to light a candle at 5.44pm on Sunday, January 19.