A LEGACY has been created in memory of much-loved little boy following his tragic sudden death. 

Today marks the first anniversary of Jasper Cook’s death. He was just eight years old and five weeks away from his ninth birthday.

An inquest concluded Jasper, from Birkenshaw, died from natural causes, but what prompted his death could not be determined.

His parents, Kim, 39, and Ian, 41, have spoken of the difficulty of being left without answers.

They described their much-loved son as a "kind, thoughtful and fun-loving little boy with no apparent health issues". 

Following his death, his DNA was genetically profiled for almost 100 markers, which all came back negative.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus last month, Kim said: “There was nothing definitive on his genetic profile so what they’re looking at is syndromes that can cause an irregular heartbeat.”

Creating a lasting legacy

Through their devastation, Kim and Ian hope they can make a difference and prevent other families from going through the same horrendous ordeal as them.

They have now set up a memorial fund through Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

“We are slowly coming to the realisation that we will never feel whole again as there will always now be a part of us that is missing,” they said.

“Having to learn how to live without one of your children is a lesson we never wanted to learn.

“Our beautiful family has been devastated and this will forever have a lasting impact on us all.

“We are desperate to keep Jasper’s memory alive and that is why we have set up a Memorial Fund within CRY.

“All the money we raise will be used to fund screening days and support research, as we want to help save young people.

“No parents should have to go through the devastating loss of their child.

“If we can prevent even one family going through the excruciating heartbreak we have had to endure then we will feel we have done some good in a world that sometimes feels broken.”

'We'd trade it all to go back to how things were'

“He left behind us - his mum and dad - his younger sister Lily and our Labrador Loki," they added.

“Our world, from that point onwards, has forever changed and the huge Jasper-shaped hole will never be filled.

“Lily misses her big brother desperately and we miss the sounds of normal family life.

“The noise and busy-ness that we all complain about, the laughter and fun, the silly bickering, even the amount of washing.

“We would trade it all in a millisecond just to go back to how things were before that dreadful day.”

To see the memorial page and to donate, visit www.c-r-y.org.uk/jasper-bryan-cook

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