The parents of a Liversedge youngster with a rare illness which claimed the life of his older brother are becoming increasingly worried about his health.

Stephen and Lorraine Whitworth, of Cornmill Lane, are distressed by the lack of progress being made by 17-month-old Aidan, whose condition has deteriorated over the past few months.

They have been told he may not survive beyond the age of three but are determined to do everything they can to prevent a second tragedy.

Mr Whitworth, 33, a paint processing technician at Birstall-based Kalon Paints, said: "Aidan is not putting on weight and he is becoming allergic to more and more foods. He has a gastric nasal tube which allows him to be fed while he is sleeping. We are waiting for the results of a test to see if his condition is genetic.

"Aidan was in St James' Hospital in Leeds for a few days but he contracted a virus so we brought him home last week to recover and he is much better. He was quite poorly."

The youngster is showing the same signs of illness as his five-year-old brother, Richard, who died last September after collapsing at home with breathing problems.

Richard had a food and dairy product allergy, plus asthma, eczema and bowel problems.

It was revealed that he had died of respiratory disease syndrome, peritonitis and chronic constipation. Mr Whitworth said: "Aidan has developed the same symptoms. It is very worrying. He has had lots of tests but the doctors still can't tell us what is causing all the problems."

The latest setback comes as the Whitworths, who also have a nine-year-old daughter, Frances, are trying to resolve a dispute with Dewsbury District Hospital over Richard's treatment.

The couple claim their son would still be alive if he had received closer monitoring by doctors.

They want the hospital to admit mistakes were made, but the hospital has said the family had been sent letters describing Richard's medical condition and his treatment.

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