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Jack was 'one of a kind'
A grieving couple who wed within weeks so their baby son could watch them walk down the aisle, today paid an emotional tribute to him.
When parents Natalie, 20, and Stephen, 25, were dealt the devastating blow that 16-month-old Jack Dunn was suffering from a fatal illness, they were determined to spend every precious moment with him.
>> Leave your tributes to baby Jack using the comment box at the bottom of this page
And in just four weeks, the couple made wedding plans so their precious son could be at the ceremony.
"We were told Jack could live days, weeks or months, they just didn't know," Natalie, of Plains Farm, Sunderland, said.
"We had planned to get married, but we didn't expect it to be so soon. We were waiting for Jack to get better, but he never did.
"As soon as we found out, we planned our wedding in four weeks, as we wanted Jack to be there because he's such a special little boy and he meant so much to everyone."
Their dream wedding came true when they wed with little Jack at St Benet's RC Church, Roker, two months ago.
But a fortnight ago, the mystery illness stole their only son's life.
Jack was born on June 6, 2008, a healthy little boy, but at three-months-old he stopped putting on weight and was constantly vomiting.
He was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital where tests revealed the youngster's immune system was failing.
Jack was transferrd to Newcastle General Hospital where he had a feeding tube fitted and a scan revealed his brain was not growing, but medics remained puzzled by his illness.
But despite signs of improvement in July, Natalie and Stephen were told the illness would eventually claim their son's life.
Last month, Jack developed a chest infection and gastroentieritis. He died on October 7.
Fighting back the tears devastated Natalie said: "He was a smiley, happy boy. He was one of a kind really.
"He is my little angel and in a way we're all so lucky to have been touched by an angel.
"He changed all of our lives and we know what's important now and what's not worth the time. He made such an impact in such a short space of time."
Relatives hope doctors will discover the cause of Jack's death so they can launch an awareness campaign and fund-raising drive.
"We want to help other babies and try and save as many lives as possible then Jack will always be remembered as doing something really special, "Natalie said.
Natalie and Stephen would like to thank the nurses and doctors who helped Jack, as well as friends and family for their support.
A website has been set up in memory at www.lovingjackdunn.webs.com
You can sign a condolence book to Jack at www.sunderlandecho.com
>> Leave your tributes to baby Jack using the comment box below
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Weather for Sunderland
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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