Teen dies just hours after being taken ill
A TEENAGE boy was found dead in bed just hours after becoming ill.
Family and friends of 17-yearold Jack Dunn, from Porth in Rhonda Cynon Taff, said the GP sent him to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital on April 7 with suspected appendicitis but that he was sent home the same day.
Family friend Lisa Dobbs, said: “Jack was in so much pain he couldn’t even walk across the road to the doctor’s surgery. His mum had to drive him there and they sent him straight to hospital.
“When they got home she put him in her bed because all parents know that sleep is the best thing when children are ill.
“They kept checking on him, but when his dad went up to check about 11pm, he had passed away.
“It has been so devastating for everyone.”
Now friends have set up a JustGiving site to help Jack’s mum Claire, dad Kieron, sister Taylor, 23, brother Callum, 19, and younger brother Jamie, 10.
Lisa, who has been friends with Claire since Jack was in primary school and set up the fundraising page, said: “We are currently trying to raise funds for his funeral. We don’t save for things like funerals, we save for holidays, Christmas and birthdays – no parents should suffer the loss of a child.
“Jack was bright, funny, kind and loving, he never hurt anyone. He went through school and passed with high grades.
“The local community has been fantastic and very supportive.”
A close friend made a card for the family listing Jack’s favourite things, including “cheering people up” and “loving his family”.
Tributes have also been posted for the family on the fundraising site.
Hollie Pryce said: “Fly high budding. Never forgotten, will always be in our hearts.”
Yvonne Williams said: “No parent should have to bury their 17-year-old. This is just so devastating. Me and Tyrone will really miss little Jack.”
The fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com
Cwm Taf University Health Board said it does not comment on individual cases.