‘SHELDON WAS MY WORLD’
Grieving mum continues fight for justice
'He was my world and I was his, I am lost without him' – those are the words of a grieving mother as she continues her fight for answers after her four-year-old son died at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Sheldon Gary Farnell, who has been described as ‘one in a million’, died at the hospital in November 2018, less than 24 hours after he was originally discharged by doctors.
An inquest, which will investigate the care the Houghton youngster received in hospital, was due to take place last week. However the coroner’s investigation is still ongoing, meaning the final in quest hearing has been pushed back and will now take place in August.
Sheldon’s devoted mum Katrina Keegan has spoken of her heartache as her fight for justice and closure for her‘ precious son’ continues.
“My life has been turned upside down since I lost Sheldon,” said Katrina, 24. “Nothing is the same anymore and life is too quiet. It’ s as if a bright light has been turned off and I'm left in darkness - it’s a hard feeling to describe.
“I just know that losing my only child is the most painful thing anyone could ever endure.Each day that passes gets harder and I miss him dearly. I raised Sheldon as a single mother for all of his little life.
“He was my world and I was his, I am lost without him.
“Me, my partner and her three children are missing that final piece of the jigsaw from our little family.”
At a previous pre-inquest review, Sunderland’s senior coroner Derek Winter said Sheldon’s death may be ‘unnatural’ and a final inquest hearing will look into the care he received in hospital.
After Sheldon’s tragic death, his family said they were told the youngster died of suspected sepsis.
Katrina spent two days in hospital with her little boy believinghe had a serious viral infection before they were sent home.
Less than 24 hours later they rushed Sheldon back into hospital after his condition worsened and he tragically died in his family’s arms.
A review was launched by hospital trust bosses.
Katrina said: ”I am disappointed that the inquest has been moved to a later date again as I just want it all over with so that my boy can finally rest in peace and I can start to grieve for him properly.
”My priority at the moment is getting justice for my son - it is the least he deserves.”