Appeal for tragic tot's headstone

Friends and family are rallying round to create the perfect final resting place for a tragic tot.
Rachael Priest with her friend's baby Jackson James SlaterRachael Priest with her friend's baby Jackson James Slater
Rachael Priest with her friend's baby Jackson James Slater

Jackson James Slater was just four months old when he died on Sunday, October 2. An inquest ruled he died of natural causes.

After his death, an online fund-raising campaign raised hundreds of pounds to pay for a funeral.

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But while Jackson has been laid to rest at Gidlow Cemetery, his grave is still without a headstone.

Danielle Slater with baby Jackson JamesDanielle Slater with baby Jackson James
Danielle Slater with baby Jackson James

So a second fund-raising appeal has now been launched to help his mum Danielle Slater, from Scholes, pay for the memorial.

Close friend Rachael Priest, who lives in Worsley Hall and has a 15-year-old son, said: “We want to give him recognition and make his final resting place complete.

“It’s somewhere that people can go to remember him and it will have his name on.”

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It is thought a headstone for Jackson will cost around £1,400.

Danielle Slater with baby Jackson JamesDanielle Slater with baby Jackson James
Danielle Slater with baby Jackson James

Miss Slater has £200 remaining from the earlier fund-raising appeal, which is with the funeral director.

And it is hoped the rest of the money needed will be raised through the new online appeal.

Miss Priest, 33, urged people to consider making a donation to pay tribute to baby Jackson.

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She said: “It would be much appreciated if people could give anything, it doesn’t matter how little. It would mean the world to Danielle and help Jackson’s memory live on.

“You don’t realise how much everything costs - I certainly didn’t realise until this happened.

“You take it for granted that everybody will have a funeral and headstone but it doesn’t really happen like that.

“Danielle doesn’t work and has no way of paying for it.”

Miss Priest was hopeful that Wiganers would make a difference for Miss Slater and baby Jackson with the second appeal.

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She said: “She is grateful of the money that has already been raised. People in Wigan do seem to pull together at times like this.

“To make Jackson’s final place complete would be great. She is always going up to put things on his grave.”

To make a donations towards the cost of a headstone for Jackson’s grave, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/angela-mccormick.

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