A FAMILY has been left heartbroken after their 10-year-old son died just four days after coming home from school with what they thought was a simple stomach bug.
The young boy, Bailey Shrimpton, from Crewkerne, Somerset, came home from school on Thursday, October 23, complaining of stomach pain before he began vomiting later that evening.
His family believed it was just a mild virus and did everything they could to keep him comfortable and hydrated.
According to a report by BristolLive, within days Bailey’s condition worsened and, despite his family’s efforts to keep him hydrated and seek medical help, he tragically died in hospital on Monday, October 27.
His devastated family are now searching for answers after the sudden loss of their “bright, kind and loving” son.
In a post shared on an online fundraiser, Bailey’s family explained how quickly things changed.
They said: “He still seemed cheerful — happily playing Xbox with his friends.”
They believed the sickness would pass, saying: “We hoped it was just a bug that would go away.
“We made sure he drank plenty of water.”
By Friday, Bailey was still unwell and unable to keep food down.
“We kept him hydrated throughout the day, still thinking it was a virus, especially since he was chatting with friends, watching YouTube, and seemed himself,” the family wrote.
When the vomiting continued into Saturday, Bailey’s family called NHS 111 for advice and were told by a doctor to take him to Yeovil A&E.
“We spent around five hours there while Bailey was put on fluids, had blood tests, and received anti-sickness medication,” they said.
“Although his infection markers were raised, we were told it was likely a viral infection and were sent home with a leaflet.”
At home, Bailey seemed to rally slightly and managed to keep some fluids down, but his health suddenly declined in the early hours of Sunday, October 26.
His family said: “Following the hospital’s advice, we believed the infection was running its course.”
As the day went on, Bailey continued to complain of stomach pain but tried to reassure his family that he was okay.
“He kept saying he was fine and that we shouldn’t worry,” they said.
That night, however, tragedy struck. “What we saw next will stay with us forever, his skin was mottled and blue.
“We knew instantly that something was terribly wrong and called 999,” they wrote.
“Moments later, Bailey told us he couldn’t feel his body and couldn’t see anything, those were his final words. He began to seize and then stopped breathing.”
Bailey’s stepdad performed CPR under the guidance of the emergency operator until paramedics arrived.
They managed to restart his heart before flying him by air ambulance to Southampton Hospital.
“Miraculously, they managed to restart his heart, and we were taken there by police escort,” the post said.
But doctors later confirmed Bailey’s brain showed no activity and his organs were failing.
“We were given time to say our goodbyes,” the family said.
“Surrounded by his family, mum Charly, stepdad Ash, dad Andrew, and his partner Tash, we held him close as the machines were turned off.
“We felt his heart stop, and in that moment, our world shattered.”
His loved ones described Bailey as: “the boy with the biggest smile, the kindest heart, and an imagination that could fill the whole world”.
They said he loved playing Xbox with friends, going to truck shows, and spending time with his siblings, George, Harper, Bella, Kayla, Layla, Demi and Abbie.
“We have more questions than answers right now and will update everyone as we learn more,” they added.
“Coming home without him has been unbearable.
“We’re trying our best to stay strong for our family, but this has been the hardest thing imaginable.”
Bailey’s six-year-old sister Harper is currently staying with her dad as she struggles to cope with the loss.
A fundraiser has been launched to help the family with funeral costs and give Bailey “the beautiful send-off he deserves”.
It has already raised more than £9,000 of its £16,000 target.
The Sun has approached Southampton Hospital for comment.
