Wigan mum determined to honour memory of her five-year-old son who died from meningitis

Paula Cheetham-Serjent, from Hindley, was devastated when her son Theodore, known as Theo, died from meningitis.

She has since worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition in his memory and even received a community award for her efforts.

Paula, who also has a five-year-old son named Teddy, said: “Losing Theo is the worst thing we’ve ever had to go through. To see him being resuscitated was devastating, and then we were told that his organs had shut down and there was nothing more they could do. At that point, it felt like my heart had been ripped out.

“It’s been just over a year since it happened, and I still can’t accept that my little boy is no longer here. Theo and Teddy were inseparable and I break down whenever I think of them not growing up together.

“I struggled to know what to do for a long time, so I decided to put my time into doing charity work to honour Theo’s memory by helping others be aware of what meningitis can do and when to seek medical advice.

“If it can help save one life, that in itself is enough of an achievement for me, but to know that the community also supports what I’m doing is incredible and I’m so grateful for the award.”

Theo fell ill on December 29, 2019, complaining of tummy ache. Paula said he also had a high temperature, sore throat and was “erratic in his behaviour.” She called the NHS 111 helpline between 7pm and 8pm and was advised to take Theo to A&E.

Theo was examined by a doctor at Wigan Infirmary and had developed bruising up both legs. Paula claims she was advised by the doctor that it was suspected gastroenteritis and they were sent home without medication.

At around 11pm, Theo was sick, and at 4.45am the following day Paula noticed a red rash on his right side.

She called 999 and Theo was taken to hospital by ambulance, but sadly he died at around 9am.

His sudden death has had a huge impact on his family and parents Paula, 43, and Paul, 51, have instructed medical negligence experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether his meningitis should have been diagnosed and treated sooner.

Paula has struggled with grief and had to give up her job as a swimming instructor with Do It 4 Loui, which was set up after the death of Hindley youngster Loui Aspinall.

She has been carrying out charity work to help other families affected by meningitis and to raise awareness of the signs to look out for.

As a result of her efforts, Hindley and Hindley Green Community Action Group presented her with a Heart of the Community Award.

David Woolmer, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Theo’s parents, said: “The past year has understandably been incredibly difficult for Paula and Paul following Theo’s death in such tragic circumstances.

“Paula has been determined to raise awareness of meningitis and its symptoms, and help families affected by this life-threatening condition.

“It’s great to hear that Paula’s efforts have been recognised by her local community. We’ll continue to support her and Paul as they try to come to terms with everything they have been through and establish answers to their questions.”

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