Dad pays tribute to son who died from rare genetic condition

Andrew Foster, who was born and raised in the city before moving down south after meeting his partner, lost baby Rycroft last month.

Over £13,000 has been raised for the family who aim to split the money between a number of charities close to their hearts.

From birth, Rycroft suffered from Shwachman Diamond Syndrome (SDS) (Image: UGC)

From birth, Rycroft suffered from Shwachman Diamond Syndrome (SDS) which affects multiple systems within the body and can result in bone marrow failure.

For a huge proportion of his short life, he was cared for in the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital.

In March, Rycroft was admitted to Great Ormond Street Hospital for a bone marrow transplant – and although the transplant was initially successful, he passed away on June 17 after contracting a subsequent infection.

"When a 16-month-old dies, they have not had a chance. Now people are hearing his name and hearing what he was like, it is a consolation," Allerton-raised Mr Foster told the Telegraph & Argus.

"He was very happy, shouty, and good at working around his condition.

"The name helped. It was a bit like Madonna or Rihanna, everybody in the hospital knew Rycroft. They all fell in love with him.

"Everyone was devastated when he died - they could not believe it."

Rycroft crawled backwards because he could not get his head off the floor (Image: UGC)

Mr Foster was keen to credit his partner Catherine Alport for her resolve and efforts in looking after their three-year-old daughter during such a traumatic time.

"She has been amazing," he said.

"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to see how she has, in the toughest time in her life, put Rycroft and his sister first, and showered them both with love when it would have been easy to have been overwhelmed by her own grief."

The parents knew about Rycroft's diagnosis three weeks after his birth.

Mr Foster added: "In pregnancy, we knew there was an issue. Our consultant was like a dog with a bone to see what it was.

"It (the condition) raises more questions than answers. Some people who have it live a long and ordinary life, others are badly affected. 

Mr Foster was keen to credit his partner Catherine Alport (Image: UGC)

"At six months, we realised he needed a bone marrow transplant. For kids with STS, that would usually happen in their teens or twenties.

"We think Rycroft may be the youngest to ever receive a bone marrow transplant through the condition in the UK.

"The procedure was a success but unfortunately he had an infection and, in the end, there was nothing else that could be done. He died very peacefully."

Mr Foster says Rycroft was very happy and shouty (Image: UGC)

Rycroft's funeral is set to take place on Friday with family travelling down from across Yorkshire to pay their tributes.

Now, Mr Foster is determined to raise awareness around SDS and bone marrow donation, as well as gain funds for charity.

He added: "We are very fortunate that we are in a home where we still have a child. As much as it is hard for us, it must be even harder for parents who have lost their only child.

"It is incredible what Great Ormand Street do. It is just as sad as you imagine but it was not as scary thanks to how fantastic they are.

"It is the optimal time to be a bone marrow donor when you are aged between 16 and 30 but a lot of people don't even realise that. My suspicion is if prompted a lot of people would at least consider it."

Mr Foster is determined to raise awareness around STS and bone marrow donation (Image: UGC)

The family's Crowdfunding page adds: "We are devastated by his loss and want to raise funds to help other families who may go through what we have been through and to raise awareness of the incredible work of the medical professionals who cared for him.

"We have chosen three charities (Great Ormond Street Hospital, Fox Ward, Colchester Hospital, Children's Ward, and SDS UK) that do amazing work to help children like Rycroft survive and thrive.

"All funds donated will be split evenly and will go to support these charities, who played such a huge role in giving Rycroft and us 16 wonderful months together, and give us hope that other families in a similar position will see their children grow up to live full and happy lives."

If you would like to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Remembering-Rycroft?s=09