Meningitis survivor, five, dies in sleep
A LITTLE boy has died unexpectedly in his sleep two years after beating all the odds to survive meningitis.
Five-year-old James Smart was found dead in his bed by his two-year-old brother Harry last Monday.
His devastated family may never know what caused his death.
Mum Ellie, 24, of Rutland Avenue, Portobello: "He was fine when we put him to bed on Sunday night. We had all enjoyed a family day watching films in our pyjamas, which he loved.
"I popped in his room to give him a kiss, before we went to bed at 10.30pm, and he was okay."
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James astounded doctors when he miraculously survived after his life support machine was turned off in 2006, after he had contracted pneumococcal meningitis.
Mrs Smart said: "He put up such a fight with the meningitis and we never expected to lose him like this, but it helps knowing he wasn't in any pain. He just went to sleep."
She said the family is going to try and celebrate Christmas normally, for the sake of little Harry.
She added: "James' presents are already wrapped, so we're going to give them to Harry from James. Harry has been asking about him so I told him his big brother has gone to the moon and the stars and he told his dad to get the car and go and get him."
Dad Adrian, 38, said his son was a courageous, smiley and funny little boy, who was loved by everyone he met.
Yesterday Castle Grove Infant School, where he was a pupil, was closed as a mark of respect so everyone could attend the funeral at St James's Church, Chapelthorpe.
Headteacher Nichola Russell said: "He was a very special little boy and it was a privilege to know him. He will be remembered for his amazing smile and twinkling eyes."
James was carried into the church in a coffin with an In the Night Garden design, which was his favourite children's TV programme.
Like a school carol concert that was dedicated to him last week, the service featured his favourite song, Big Yellow Moon, which he had been due to sing with a friend at the concert.
The Smart family have vowed to continue raising money for Meningitis UK in James's memory.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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