Messages of support have been left for the family of a five-year-old boy who died from a rare epilepsy syndrome.
Sam Liew died after developing Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES), believed to be an exceptionally rare reaction and affects just one in a million people. In March last year Sam was rushed to hospital after experiencing the first of a series of debilitating and ultimately catastrophic fits, reports LancsLive.
Before this, the five-year-old had no history of seizures. Medical experts around the world fought to save Sam's life but just seven weeks later he died in his parents' arms. Now ECHO readers have sent condolences to Sam's family and messages of support.
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Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Julia Connor said: "God rest Sam’s soul. Thinking of his family." Ruth Strong added: "Rest in peace little one god bless you my thoughts are with your family."
Jo Sanderson also said: "RIP beautiful taken far too soon." Christine Young: "Heartbreaking RIP little one my thoughts are with your family."
People also shared how they were heartbroken over the news. Sam's aunt, Rhiannon Jones, the former headteacher of Kirkham and Wesham Primary School in Preston is organising an event in memory of the five-year-old.
The event, an Easter Fair, will take place on Sunday (April 3). Rhiannon and her sister Rachel, who now lives in Derby, have created a lasting legacy for Sam by setting up a charity in his name which will raise awareness of Childhood FIRES and fund activities based around his love of animals, nature, crafting and the outdoors.
The event this Sunday is being held at Kirkham Community Centre, in Mill Street, from 1pm to 3pm and will include cake and craft stalls, chocolate and bottle tombola's as well as face painting and a raffle. All proceeds from the fair will go towards creating activity packs for children and distraction packs for teenagers being treated in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Rhiannon said: “I vividly remember sitting in my car and crying tears of joy when I heard that Sam was born and had the pleasure of my first cuddle with Sam just three days later. We were so delighted to welcome Sam into the family and feel very privileged to have had him with us for five very precious years.
“He was such a very special little boy full of kindness, love and awe and wonder at the beauty of the world around him. His loss has left a gaping hole in all our lives. However, I know he would be so proud of all that his mummy and her team are doing at Sam’s Superheroes.
“Although Sam lived in Derby he spent many happy hours with his family here in Blackpool, and although Sunday’s event is very much a Sam’s Superheroes’ event – with lots of superhero themed activities and crafts that he would have enjoyed – we felt it was important that all the money raised is donated locally.
“There will be plenty of activities and it’s an important way for us to keep Sam’s memory alive.”
To find out more about Sam’s Superheroes visit samssuperheroes.co.uk where there is also information about FIRES and NORSE as well as links to specific organisations.
To make a donation click here.
