Family praises little ‘superhero’ after his death from rare illness

A family have paid tribute to their little “superhero” after his death at the age of seven following a lifelong battle against complex illness.

Jack Walker was diagnosed with West syndrome, a severe and life-threatening form of epilepsy, following problems early in his life.

Jack’s parents, Shelley, 38, and Steven, 39, said his death had “left a huge hole” in their lives and those of his sisters, 14-year-old Eve-rose and Ruby, nine.

Mrs Walker said: “We thought Jack had a faulty gene, but really there was always a big question mark over that his entire life.

“He was a normal, perfect baby and we never realised what a journey his life would be.”

Jack had serious problems with his vision and his parents were devastated when, during a check-up when he was eightweeks-old, they were told he may go blind.

The couple gave up work and moved from Laurencekirk to Portlethen when Jack was one, to be closer to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Jack’s grandmother.

It was after a recording was made of his brain activity that Jack’s parents realised the extent of his ailments.

Manchester United fan Jack was fitted with a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) system – a pacemaker for his brain – which manipulated its activity.

He was able to begin classes at Orchard Brae School in Aberdeen but suffered a setback earlier this month and died peacefully at home.

Jack’s funeral was held at Aberdeen Crematorium and mourners donated £880 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland and Orchard Brae.