A new photo has been shared of Jude Gerrard with his parents at Christmas before he tragically died following a medical episode at Early Learners Day Nursery, in Bootle, Merseyside
A photo has been shared of a two-year-old boy with his parents at Christmas before he died in a medical episode at a nursery.
Little Jude Gerrard – who his parents nicknamed Judie – was taken to hospital on January 14 following an incident at Early Learners Day Nursery, in Bootle, Merseyside, but he later died.
His death is currently being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident. His parents Rebekah and Charlie have spoken about how their “sweet baby boy” “deserved so, so much more”.
They said: “This is our sweet baby boy, Jude Gerrard. We are absolutely heart broken and devastated beyond words by this shocking and unexpected loss of the love of our lives. I know all parents think this about their own children, but Jude truly was so incredibly special.
“Everybody who ever met him couldn’t help but instantly love him, and he had so much love for everyone too, even if he’d pretend to web you like Spider-Man or wrestle you like Hulk Hogan. Our lives will never be the same again, he really was too good to be true and we can’t believe he has been taken away from us like this, with something so preventable. He deserved so, so much more.
“We count ourselves so lucky we got to be his mummy and daddy for two and a half years, even though he should have had so much more time. Please respect our privacy as we process and grieve this unimaginable loss and the police continue to investigate what happened to our amazing, beautiful, caring boy, Judie.”
And now on a GoFundMe page set up by a family friend, a photo has been shared with the youngster being held by his mum and alongside his dad, it states simply: “Jude, Mummy and Daddy at Christmas.”
So far, £35,244 has been raised for the family. The GoFundMe features a host of family pictures, which the mum and dad chose to share “to show you how amazing Judie was”.
The fundraiser stated: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Jude Gerrard, the cherished 2-year-old son of Rebekah and Charlie. Jude was tragically taken from us in a devastating incident at the nursery, leaving a void that can never be filled.
“On Tuesday 14th January, what started off like any normal day with Jude going to nursery to play and learn with his nursery friends ended in tragedy at lunchtime with Jude passing. Jude should be playing with his toys he received at Christmas and getting excited to go on his holiday in May with all his Cousins, Aunties, Uncles, Gaga, Nan, Mum & Dad but instead, we are now planning to say our goodbyes and plan baby Jude’s funeral.”
It continued: “Jude brought endless joy and love into the lives of everyone who knew him. His vibrant personality, passions for Golf, Spider-Man, Wrestling, and Liverpool FC made him a little boy full of life and spirit. He was a shining light in his parents’ and all his family’s world, and his memory will forever be treasured.”
In a statement, Merseyside Police said: “We can confirm that an investigation is underway following reports that a two-year-old boy suffered a fatal medical episode at a children’s nursery in Bootle. The incident was reported at around 12.35pm yesterday, Tuesday January 14, at Early Learners Day Nursery, on Hawthorne Road, and the child was taken to hospital by paramedics. He was sadly pronounced deceased at hospital and his family is being supported. An investigation has been commenced to establish the full circumstances and cause of death.”
A message, shared with the Liverpool Echo, was sent to parents from the nursery on the day of the tragedy. It read: “Dear parents and carers, as you are aware, this afternoon a medical emergency occurred at the nursery. It is with devastating sadness that we have to inform you of a child’s passing. To enable everyone to process today’s tragic events, we have made the decision to close the nursery for the remainder of the week, and also to allow us to continue working with relevant agencies. We trust that you understand our decision at this difficult time and we will update you alll with further information in the coming days. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
