BBC Breakfast presenter Luxmy Gopal was visibly moved after witnessing the heartbreaking account of mother Sammy Knowles, 40, who was overcome with emotion following the devastating loss of her son Jaxon.
Sammy and her spouse Jordan featured in a pre-recorded segment on the programme to raise awareness about the dangers of meningitis, having tragically lost their four-year-old son Jaxon to the disease.
A tearful Sammy shared the harrowing final moments she spent with Jaxon, during which he developed a rash. After noticing the rash, which resembled “burst blood vessels”, she immediately called for an ambulance. En route to the hospital, the medical team delivered the devastating news that her son was suspected to have meningitis.
The medical staff informed her that a team of 15 would be awaiting their arrival at the hospital. Sammy confessed that her “heart just sank” as she found it increasingly difficult to continue recounting the tragic incident through her tears, reports the Express.
Jaxon’s mother, unable to contain her emotions, poignantly described: “When we got there they were waiting and they let us go with him, they didn’t stop us but by the time we got from the house to the hospital the rash had just ravaged his body.”
Tragically, Jaxon passed away at Rotherham Hospital within hours of Sammy’s emergency call. Despite their profound grief, the parents are courageously choosing to share their experience in the hope of raising awareness and potentially saving lives.
In memory of their son, Jaxon’s parents have established a fund, with all proceeds going towards the charity Meningitis Now.
BBC Breakfast presenters Ben Thompson and Luxmy reflected on the heart-wrenching story, seeking insights from Dr Tom Nutt, CEO of Meningitis Now.
Luxmy initiated the conversation by saying: “Such a heartbreaking story, every parent’s worst nightmare.” She then inquired about the rapid progression of the disease, asking: “Part of this, is the speed at which this happened, is that usual?”
Dr Nutt confirmed the swift nature of the illness: “Yes it is, one of the most devastating aspects of meningitis is the disease is the speed at which it takes effect on the body and as you’ve heard in the terrible case of Jaxon just now is that meningitis can kill within 24 hours.”
He cautioned viewers: “Sadly one in ten people affected by bacterial meningitis will die. Unfortunately Jaxon’s case is tragic though it is one that we hear day in, day out at Meningitis Now.”
Ben highlighted that Jaxon’s parents had been vigilant, quickly recognising symptoms and seeking medical help, and asked the expert for advice: “What can people do here?”.
Dr Nutt offered reassurance, stating: “Ultimately, there is good news and that in the long run there are vaccines that can prevent meningitis so parents of young children should be aware that there are vaccines on the NHS and mostly those are done through GPs and schools so if you’re ever offered a vaccine for your child or yourself then obviously the best thing to do is to take that up because it could save a life.”
BBC Breakfast airs every day on BBC One, from 6am.