Tributes paid to inspirational "butterfly children" who died within two days of each other (From Thisisdorset)
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Tributes flood in after EB sufferers Harry and Cody Churchill die within two days of each other
8:38am Monday 18th March 2013 in Latest
Harry and Cody and their parents
TRIBUTES have been paid to two 'inspirational' young brothers who have died within two days of each other.
Harry Churchill aged three passed away on Wednesday at Julia's House and Cody, 21 months, died on Friday evening at Poole Hospital.
Their parents were at their bedside.
Both boys suffered from a debilitating genetic skin condition and had been battling an infection.
They both had epidermolysis bullosa, or EB, which causes their skin to blister.
They were known as butterfly children, because of the fragility of their skin.
It is so serious that doctors predicted neither would make his first birthday - with round the clock devoted care from their parents Steph and Chris they were living their lives to the fullest.
But both youngsters had had a serious infection in the days before they died.
- My son's not being abused, he's got a rare genetic condition
- A new home for EB sufferer Harry and family after burst pipes disaster
- Over £6,000 raised for poorly brothers Harry and Cody Churchill
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- Smashed: fundraising campaign for little Harry Churchill soars past £3,600 target
The family have asked for their privacy, but in a post on Harry and Cody's Facebook page they wrote: "As we all know Harry and Cody had a bond like no other but I don't think anyone really understood the bond they had!
"On the 13th March after long and hard fight Harry passed away peacefully at his favorite place Julia's House. As hard as it was we then had to go back to hospital as Cody fell ill, on the 15th March cody flew to heaven to be with his big brother!
"Losing two children in two days is anyone's worse nightmare the only comfort we have is knowing they are reunited as one! Cody couldn't live with out Harry their bond was far too strong ♥ love u always boys ♥ mummy and daddy x"
Friends and fundraisers have spoken of the amazing little boys. Harry would have turned four in April.
“Harry and Cody were two amazing young children, they were a total inspiration,” said Adam Murry, AFCB Bournemouth director, charity fundraiser and close friend.
“We have worked closely with Steph and Chris and we are all devastated. Both boys had been trying to fight off an infection but they just couldn't make it.”
He said there would be a minute's applause for the boys at this Saturday's home game at the Goldsands Stadium.
Harry, who had recently started at Victoria School, had become well-known locally, appearing in the Echo after his parents spoke out to raise awareness of his condition after they were subjected to ignorant staring and abuse in public.
Harry's condition worsened and he was admitted to Poole Hospital last Saturday. He was taken to Southampton Hospital for a short while, then transferred to Julia's House, a place he knew well from respite visits.
The Echo made this video with Harry in 2010
Mum-of-four Emily Kelly from Poole was so touched after initially reading Harry's story she started a fundraising campaign to buy him an electric wheelchair.
The response was so incredible that they smashed their £3,600 target in just 10 days.
She told the Echo: “It's hard to take in. They touched so many people in their short lives. I was thinking of all the good that has come from knowing them.
“They must have had so much pain. With everything they went through in such a short amount of time.”
She said the family were an inspiration adding: “They have been through so much - to lose their boys at this age - I can't even imagine.”
Family friend Rebecca Way, who has raised thousands for the family with sponsored walks and fundraisers, said: “My heart is broken - I have lost my butterfly buddies.” Rebecca is planning a 26-mile walk to raise money in memory of the boys.
A Facebook page has been set up to help raise money towards the funeral costs. Anyone who would like to donate towards the cost of flowers and headstones can give via paypal to olivia_leigh@msn.com.
Anyone who wishes to donate to a charity is asked to support Julia's House.
Comments(32)
susi.m
says...
9:00am Mon 18 Mar 13
retry69
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9:15am Mon 18 Mar 13
delta3
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9:20am Mon 18 Mar 13
scroberts2006
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9:43am Mon 18 Mar 13
mungobean
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10:23am Mon 18 Mar 13
ianexams
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10:46am Mon 18 Mar 13
TomBrandon111
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10:46am Mon 18 Mar 13
My thoughts are with you; keep fighting...
EmmaCollis
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11:06am Mon 18 Mar 13
Two beautiful boys that were a true inspiration, and have touched the lifes of hundereds and hundereds of people.
Thier bravery and smiles will always hold a place in our hearts xxx
bmb
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11:09am Mon 18 Mar 13
afcb-mark
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11:26am Mon 18 Mar 13
suzigirl
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11:30am Mon 18 Mar 13
Biancalouise22
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11:48am Mon 18 Mar 13
The following was placed on the harry and cody churchill facebook page yesterday:
Any donations welcome to help this beautiful family lay their babies to rest. Date of funeral to be announced when Steph & Chris are ready.
Paypal: olivia_leigh@msn.com
If your unable to donate just please share their page. Many thanks x
Time_Traveller
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11:51am Mon 18 Mar 13
RIP Angel boys. Your memory will live on with those who love you ..... and those who don't even know you xx
Julie Mc
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12:07pm Mon 18 Mar 13
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
prettykins
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12:23pm Mon 18 Mar 13
afcb72
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12:25pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Ste-V-e
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1:17pm Mon 18 Mar 13
wilkiemini
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1:57pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Our Thoughts and prayers are with your parents at this sad time xxx
H2o-hara
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2:30pm Mon 18 Mar 13
work12
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2:37pm Mon 18 Mar 13
I would like to lend my support to you in what ever way i can. God bless to you both and to your little angels
xx
Enjoylife
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3:12pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Enjoylife
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3:13pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Dorsetbaby
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3:21pm Mon 18 Mar 13
williwood
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3:32pm Mon 18 Mar 13
R.I.P. boys .
GrannyMo
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6:29pm Mon 18 Mar 13
God Bless the family
fletch for manager
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7:37pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Bournemouth2014
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9:39pm Mon 18 Mar 13
big_afcb_fan
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11:02pm Mon 18 Mar 13
RIP Harry and Cody two wonderful little butterflies.
Liberty Belle
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12:54am Tue 19 Mar 13
bilkir
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12:43pm Tue 19 Mar 13
spooki
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5:32pm Tue 19 Mar 13
Controversial But True says...
9:00am Mon 18 Mar 13
I wept watching this video!
Rest in peace, you beautiful little angels. You've got your wings now.
My thoughts are with you both, Steph and Chris.