A family holiday to Blackpool turned into a nightmare for Sammy and John Knowles when their 4-year-old son, Jaxon, suddenly became ill and tragically passed away just days later. The couple had taken their young family for a seaside weekend in February, but as they were preparing to leave, Jaxon complained of pain in his armpit. At first, it seemed like nothing too serious, but he soon developed a tummy ache. His mum gave him some Calpol and put him to bed when they got home, hoping he would sleep it off.
But at 5 am, Sammy woke to find something was terribly wrong. Jaxon had developed a large rash across his torso. She immediately rushed him to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with meningitis. reported Metro.co.uk.
“My first thought was that it was chickenpox, and I was devastated for him,” Sammy told The Sun. “But when I turned on the lamp next to me, I immediately saw how bad it was.” Panicked, she told her husband they needed to get to A&E straight away. But as they got dressed, Jaxon’s condition rapidly worsened.
“He threw up, then his mouth and tongue began swelling. We immediately called 999, who told us to lay him down, but he couldn’t breathe, so we had to turn him to his side.”
The ambulance arrived, and as paramedics rushed to save him, the family were told that 15 nurses and doctors were waiting for them at the ICU in Rotherham Hospital. It was only then that Sammy realised how serious the situation was.
Jaxon’s condition spiralled, and in the most harrowing moment, he began crying blood. Doctors placed him in a medically-induced coma, and at one point, his heart even stopped—forcing medics to restart it. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Jaxon lost his fight. His parents were told he had died from meningococcal disease, a rare and life-threatening bacterial form of meningitis.
The illness, caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, can strike at any age but is particularly dangerous for young children. Around 10% of cases result in death, even with urgent medical care. Now, in Jaxon’s memory, his family has set up a foundation supporting Meningitis Now, raising awareness of the devastating disease.
A touching tribute on the foundation’s page reads: “This site is a tribute to JAX, who was born in Sheffield on July 26, 2020. Our precious IVF miracle. Full of life, loved everyone and everything. Little Owls Wednesday fan, sadly passed away aged 4 to meningococcal meningitis. He is much loved and will always be remembered.”
Jaxon’s beloved football club, Sheffield Wednesday, also honored him with a tribute during their match against Sunderland. His heartbreaking story has left a community in mourning and serves as a reminder of how quickly meningitis can strike.
