Parents heartbroken by losing their son to cot death have a new reason to smile.
James Cook and Gemma Littley have won a cash windfall for the Huddersfield-based charity they set up in the name of their tragic tot, Dexter.
Launched as a fundraising campaign after little Dexter died in his sleep last May, Dexter’s Light has emerged as a community champion in a nationwide scheme.
And yesterday, James and Gemma received their £2,000 donation at a ceremony in Greetland with special guest, BBC Bake Off star Richard Burr.
The money means the couple have reached their £15,000 target to build a portable sensory room for children’s centres.
Dexter’s Light started out as a Facebook page to share memories. This grew into a community group, 150 people strong, who set out to improve their community in Dexter’s name.
Organised by kitchen and joinery giant, Magnet Trade, the Community Champions campaign saw 169 causes battle for a share of an £11,000 fund. And people who voted thought Dexter’s Light was the most deserving, crowning the charity overall winner.
For James and Gemma, this is the realisation of a dream.
James, who is from Salendine Nook, said: “Winning this challenge has enabled us to finally hit our £15,000 target. We are excited to announce that the equipment is ordered and will be delivered just in time for what would have been Dexter’s second birthday. We miss him so much and we are delighted to mark his birthday in such a special way.”
After the couple volunteered Dexter’s DNA for pioneering genetic testing, medics discovered he had suffered a rare gene mutation which causes the heart to beat irregularly. Until then, his parents had no explanation for the death.
Now the family – who just four weeks ago welcomed Dexter’s sister, Tabitha, into the world – hope their community work will raise awareness through light into the importance of genetic research.
Mum Gemma, who is 33 and from Greetland, said: ““Dexter’s social development was coming along wonderfully thanks to similar equipment. It’s lovely to see other children playing with the toys – it’s like they get to play with our little boy once again. It’s good to know people took the time to vote for our cause and to know that it holds a special place in peoples’ hearts.
“We are keen to raise awareness further and bring closure or hope to other families. Cot death isn’t an answer – no parent has any closure from a verdict of ‘cot death. You never get over the shock, you never stop missing them. But we are proud Dexter can be part of this research and if he gives one other family closure he will have done a wonderful thing.”
Thankfully, doctors have said Tabitha does not have the same genetic variation as Dexter.
“We are so relieved. Tabitha is absolutely gorgeous., said James, 37.
Yesterday, Richard Burr, who has fronted the Community Champion challenge, made a special cake for the ceremony at St Thomas’ church hall.
He said: “I am delighted to present a cake to Dexter’s Light, especially to mark what would have been Dexter’s second birthday. It has been fantastic to highlight the work achieved by charitable organisations. Dexter’s Light, and so many other worthwhile causes were nominated in the campaign and I’m proud to have been part of the action.”
Magnet Trade marketing manager Alison Coleman said: “We have been delighted with the response to the Community Champions campaign.”
