Mum, 31, describes pain after ‘happy and smiley’ son dies in her arms, aged 9
A MOTHER has spoken about her pain following the death of her "happy and smiley" son aged nine.
Carter Reece Lamb, from Wollaton, Nottingham, suffered from a rare genetic condition, and died in the arms of mum Victoria on July 14.
Carter's death followed a spell of increasingly-frequent hospital visits to treat the affects of a type of mitochondrial disease or "mito".
Mito is a group of disorders caused by problems in the mitochondria, a component part of the cells in our bodies that plays a key role in converting food into energy.
The symptoms of the condition vary, but for Carter it had a significant impact on his ability to eat and properly absorb food.
Speaking to , Victoria, 31, said that Carter's personality and will to battle his condition was a huge source of strength to her.
"As long as his pain was under control, he was just always happy," she said.
"Everyone knows his smile, he was very cheeky and loved being around other children.
"Even when he was so ill and became so skinny, he wanted to play and do what he enjoyed."
Following Carter's birth, Victoria was initially told he was unlikely to live past three years old.
He went on to attend Oak Field School in Bilborough and at one point was fitted with a special feeding tube, but continued to suffered health problems as he grew up.
"The doctors tried everything to help him,"; Victoria said.
"It got to the point where we were basically living in hospital and they just said there was nothing more they could really do."
'WANTED HIM TO PASS PEACEFULLY'
A decision was eventually taken that it would be best for Carter to spend his remaining time at home.
For the last eight weeks of life he was only able to consume milk and by his final week his weight had fallen to 10kg.
Before his death, Victoria decided to take Carter to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough.
"I wanted him to pass peacefully," she said.
"They brought in another bed so I could lie with him.
"I think I was in denial and thought he would just keep fighting, so it has taken time to sink in."
Funding provided to Victoria while she cared for Carter is now due to be stopped, and friends have set up a page to support her through the coming months.
A description on the page read: "We are sure there have been times that have been exhausting mentally and physically for Victoria but she never let it show.
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"She always carried on with a smile on her face.
"Victoria deserves this [financial help] more than anyone we know."
