Mum raising for Alder Centre after loss of two-year-old son to virus

Born prematurely at 23 weeks old, Jacob Murphy "fought for his life" for five months and eventually came out of hospital as a "strong little boy" who could go on to live a normal life.

The "happy, bright little boy" lit up every room he entered, his mum Chelsea said, and he loved to sing and dance to his favourite songs.

However, Jacob returned to hospital after catching adenovirus in 2019 and spent three weeks at Alder Hey fighting the illness.

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Jacob was born prematurely and his weakened lungs could not fight the virus (Image: Chelsea Murphy)

With complications arising from his weakened and premature lungs, the two-year-old sadly could not fight off the virus and he passed away in January 2020.

Following Jacob's passing, he spent two weeks at Alder Hey's bereavement hub, the Alder Centre, where staff went "above and beyond" to care for him and the devastated family.

This wrap-around support, at the time when they needed it most, is why Chelsea is now fundraising for the Alder Centre to show her gratitude.

A memorial event, which will see family and friends walking from St Helens to the Alder Centre in Liverpool, is planned in May on what would have been Jacob's sixth birthday.

Chelsea and Jacob (Image: Chelsea Murphy)

Chelsea said: "The staff at the Alder Centre cared so much not only for Jacob but for us all as a family.

"They looked after us with so much care and love, and Jacob always looked comfy. We were always given the time we needed and wanted with him.

"The staff went above and beyond for us and always phoned to check up on me, even after his funeral.

"They gave me memories I have been able to keep with me forever."

Jacob was described as a happy, bright, little boy (Image: Chelsea Murphy)

Following her experience, Chelsea not only wants to raise money for the Alder Centre but also awareness of what support they offer to families who have lost children.

The 27-year-old, who also has a young daughter, added: "I couldn’t have asked for better people to have looked after us at that time.

"I really want to give something back to them and get it out there to parents who may visit the Alder Centre, that it’s such a warming place and although it’s sad, they are definitely in good hands."

To support Chelsea in her fundraising, you can donate to the Alder Centre on her justgiving page here.