BBC Breakfast host Luxmy Gopal was “heartbroken” for a tearful mum on the programme
BBC Breakfast: Mum tearfully recounts losing her young son
BBC Breakfast presenter Luxmy Gopal couldn’t conceal her emotions following the devastating account of Sammy Knowles, a 40-year-old mother grieving over the loss of her son Jaxon.
Sammy, alongside her husband Jordan, shared their heartbreaking story through a pre-recorded segment on the show, drawing attention to the dangers of meningitis which claimed the life of their four-year-old son Jaxon.
Amidst tears, Sammy narrated the harrowing final moments with her young son, highlighting the onset of a rash that alarmed her.
Upon observing the rash, reminiscent of “burst blood vessels”, she wasted no time in calling an ambulance. En route to the hospital, the paramedics delivered the shattering news that Jaxon was likely suffering from “suspected meningitis”.
The medical team communicated that upon their arrival at the hospital, a contingent of 15 professionals would be standing by. Sammy expressed how her “heart just sank” as she tearfully continued relating the tragic events, reports the Express.
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Overwhelmed by emotion, the grief-stricken mother recounted: “When we got there they were waiting and they let us go with him, they didn’t stop us but by the time we got from the house to the hospital the rash had just ravaged his body.”
Regrettably, mere hours after the urgent call for help, Jaxon succumbed to the illness at Rotherham Hospital. In their sorrow, the courageous parents are determined to share their ordeal publicly, aspiring to raise awareness and potentially save lives.
In honour of their beloved son, Jaxon’s parents have established a memorial fund bearing his name, dedicating all proceeds to the charity Meningitis Now.
BBC Breakfast presenters Ben Thompson and Luxmy reflected on the heart-wrenching story of the child’s battle with meningitis, seeking insights from Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now.
Luxmy initiated the conversation by expressing: “Such a heartbreaking story, every parent’s worst nightmare.” She then inquired about the rapid progression of the disease, asking: “Part of this, is the speed at which this happened, is that usual?”
Dr Nutt confirmed the swift nature of the illness, stating: “Yes it is, one of the most devastating aspects of meningitis is the disease is the speed at which it takes effect on the body and as you’ve heard in the terrible case of Jaxon just now is that meningitis can kill within 24 hours.”
He cautioned viewers with a stark statistic: “Sadly one in ten people affected by bacterial meningitis will die. Unfortunately Jaxon’s case is tragic though it is one that we hear day in, day out at Meningitis Now.”
Ben highlighted the prompt actions of Jaxon’s parents, who quickly recognised the symptoms and sought medical help, leading him to ask Dr Nutt: “What can people do here?”
The CEO offered a glimmer of hope, advising: “Ultimately, there is good news and that in the long run there are vaccines that can prevent meningitis so parents of young children should be aware that there are vaccines on the NHS and mostly those are done through GPs and schools so if you’re ever offered a vaccine for your child or yourself then obviously the best thing to do is to take that up because it could save a life.”
BBC Breakfast airs every day on BBC One, from 6am.