STACEY RODGERS has written a heart-rending poem to try to come to terms with the death of her son Dominic.

She hopes her words will help make sure other parents do not suffer the same heartache.

Stacey has written the poem, called 'Our Children That Live In Our Heart', in memory of 10-year-old Dominic, who died at their home in Spaines Road, Fartown, a year ago tomorrow.

She has also joined forces with British Gas in a bid to make every other parent in the country aware of the potential dangers of CO - known as the Silent Killer.

In the poem, she writes of the heartache of the past 12 months since Dominic died last February, after the toxic fumes from a neighbour's boiler seeped into his bedroom while he slept.

She speaks of her continued support for the schoolboy football team Dominic played for, the music played at his funeral - and more poignantly, how she still blames herself for his death and how that preys on her mind every day.

Chris Bielby, head of Quality and Standards at British Gas, said: "This poem will make tough reading for any parent.

No-one can imagine what it must be like to lose a child like Stacey has - but it's something she has to live with every day.

"We just want to make absolutely sure no-one else suffers like Stacey has because of carbon monoxide.

"Parents can take such simple steps to keep their children safe and I would urge every parent to make sure they do."

Chris said the first line of defence against CO poisoning in the home was to make sure every gas appliance is serviced regularly by a CORGI-registered engineer, such as British Gas.

He added that as an extra safety defence, homes should be fitted with a British Standard-approved carbon monoxide detector and also urged locals to make sure they were aware of the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning - often mistaken for flu - include recurring headaches, nausea, sickness, chest and/or stomach pains, as well as general tiredness and fatigue.

Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical advice immediately.

British Gas is currently including a CO safety message on all bills sent to its energy customers as part of its ongoing campaign to increase awareness of the deadly risks of carbon monoxide.

Safety tips and information on CO and other home safety issues is also included on the company's dedicated website www.britishgassafety.co.uk

A MUM'S POEM

Our children that live in our heart

Our children shouldn't go before us

But if its God's choice then I guess they must

With taking you our children away

All us parents can do is stay here and pray.

You were one thing I never wanted taking from me

It broke my heart and made me

Who I am today see

You are on my mind even when I sleep at night

Because I know for sure this was not right

But God does seem to take the best

He sure did with you and all the rest.

Where is the love? That song you thought were great

But my music well u said you hate

I played your song for you on your day u know

We were in church that day I had to let you go

The days passed and the weeks as well

You in heaven me living in hell

You were part of me for so long

This is when I first knew you were gone.

Walking the streets late at night I'd do

Thinking mostly of me with you

My mind playing games not right

What happened to you that night?

Days have gone I still blame me

With you still here that should be

But you have gone that's God's way, see,

I know it shouldn't have been you but been me.

I was kept alive for a reason that night

God knew I'd be able to stay and fight

Unlike you so young and bright

He knew keeping me alive that night was right.

I think of you every second of every day

Why did someone have to take my boy away?

You up there me down here on my own

All I seem to do is work and also moan.

I still support S.P.A.C.E football you see

This was your life so your life is me

Were the winners u will see one day

But for now my babe lets just pray.

It's been ages since I last saw you

Still not knowing in my life what to do

Still waiting for you to run through the door

All I say is god please no more

I know its never going to happen you see

I still think you should be here with me

Well I do have to let you go one day

But here in my heart is the place you stay.

© C