‘All I can do is get justice for him’
Sheldon’s mum’s vow as appeal launched to raise cash for tragic boy’s funeral
The grieving mother of Sheldon Gary Farnell says she will fight for “justice” for her son after his tragic death.
The four-year-old died of suspected sepsis on Monday morning – less than 24 hours after doctors sent him home.
His adoring mother, Katrina Farnell, had rushed him to hospital on Friday after the ‘joyful’ youngster fell unwell.
A review into the circumstances around Sheldon’s care has now been launched by bosses at City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, with the matter also passed to the city coroner for investigation.
Katrina had spent two days in hospital believing he had a viral infection until he was released on Sunday morning – before blood results returned showing something was wrong.
Sheldon’s condition worsened and he was rushed back to hospital where he was put on life support, but he died on Monday morning.
Miss Farnell, 23, who lives in Houghton, said: “Sheldon was my life, he was my world. I should have been spending money to give him a good Christmas but now I will be spending on a funeral.
“All I can do is to get justice for him now.
“They should have saved him. If they had given us his blood test results in an hour like they said he would still be here.
“My little boy died. He was in so much pain and they didn’t do enough.
“They came in on Sunday morning to say he had a viral infection, gave him an iron infusion and said we could take him home, and to give him Calpol if I thought he needed it.
“I asked them to check his back again. A doctor came in touched his back and said it was OK.
“He was shaking and his arms and face were swollen. I asked them to check the needle in his foot because he said it hurt and the nurse said it doesn’t hurt once it’s in, but Sheldon was crying.
“I knew he wasn’t well. I didn’t want to go. They shouldn’t have let him go.”
Ian Martin, medical director at City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We offer our heartfelt condolences to Sheldon’s family for their tragic loss and are offering all the support we can to his loved ones at this very sad and difficult time.
“Due to patient confidentiality, we are unable to discuss details of Sheldon’s treatment. However, we can confirm that we have already started our robust internal review process so that we can fully understand the circumstances around his care.”
A popular pupil, Sheldon attended Houghton Community Nursery School and staff have paid tribute to him.
Sarah Dixon-Jones, headteacher at the nursery, said: “Our heartfelt
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