An Ilkeston family have paid tribute to their “perfect” baby after he suddenly died at just six weeks old.
On June 28 Charlie went to sleep, tragically the next morning he never woke up.
“It’s absolutely devastating, he was perfect,” said his distraught grandma, Della Smith.
“I’ll never forget holding him in my arms and him gazing into my eyes. He was my first grandchild and I was so happy to be a nana. And now it’s been taken away.
“We only had him for six-and-a-half weeks but he was the most photographic baby, he was so beautiful.”
Doctors had no explanation for Charlie’s death, which Della said makes it even more difficult.
“The autopsy said there was nothing wrong with him, they said he was perfectly healthy,” the 40-year-old continued.
“It makes it harder to get your head around. If there was something that was wrong, it’s still tragic but at least you know.”
Della said it has been especially hard for Charlie’s parents, Connor Smith, 20, and Lisa Marshall, 25, adding: "They’re a young couple, they’re only babies themselves so it’s hard for them. It’s tragic, it’s just so tragic.”
A fundraiser has now been launched to help cover the costs of the funeral, so far, more than £1,000 of the £2,500 target has been raised.
“We want to give him a good send-off because there’s nothing more we can do for him,” said Della.
“We’re not going to get those birthdays, Christmases and special days so this is the last thing for him.”
She added that any money raised over the target amount would go towards research into sudden infant death syndrome, with fundraisers also planned for later dates.
To make a donation, visit: uk.gofundme.com/f/rrzvmm-baby-charlie
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