Mum pays tribute to son after sudden death

Clare Gibbons with her son, Christopher Gibbons, on his 18th birthday

A woman has described her heartbreak and paid tribute to her "courageous" son, who died suddenly in March.

Clare Gibbons, from Bartestree, Herefordshire, said she was left feeling "helpless" when her 18-year-old son Christopher Gibbons died after a cardiac arrest.

Mr Gibbons was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of six, significantly weakening his muscles until he eventually had to use a wheelchair.

For his 18th birthday in January, he was treated to a lorry show and the same lorries will form a convoy from his home as they lead him to his funeral.

According to the NHS, Duchenne muscular dystrophy is one of the most common and severe forms of the condition and has no cure.

It leads to loss of muscle function and strength, usually affects boys in early childhood and people with the condition generally only live into their 20s or 30s.

Discussing her son's death, Ms Gibbons said: "I was in total frenzy - shock, heartbroken and destroyed.

"Nothing can prepare you, as a mum, as a parent, for that day.

"Helpless, I felt totally helpless."

Paying tribute to her son, she described him as a "fighter" and credited him for demonstrating inner strength.

'He was fierce'

She said he always remained dignified in hiding his pain.

"My son will be remembered with a smile, for being courageous and for being a fighter - he was a warrior.

"His kindness, he was full of heart.

"He was fierce in what he was faced with all of his life and he is a shining beacon as to how we should be as individuals."

Mr Gibbon's funeral will take place at 12:30 BST on Saturday, with the service at St Peter's Church in Lugwardine starting at 13:00.

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