Mum's heartbreak as she fights for answers two years on from son's tragic death at Sunderland Royal Hospital

It’s been two heartbreaking years since a doting mum tragically lost her precious little boy - and, as she continues her fight for answers, she pays tribute to the ‘love of her life and best friend’.
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On November 26, 2018, four-year-old Sheldon Gary Farnell died of suspected sepsis in Sunderland Royal Hospital hours after doctors sent him home.

Now at a time where mum Katrina Keegan would be buying Sheldon’s Christmas presents, she is waiting for his headstone to be laid.

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On the second anniversary of his death, the 25-year-old pays tribute to Sheldon who gave her ‘the best four years of her life’.

Sheldon's mum Katrina Keegan has paid tribute to her little boy.Sheldon's mum Katrina Keegan has paid tribute to her little boy.
Sheldon's mum Katrina Keegan has paid tribute to her little boy.

Katrina, of Houghton, said: “It has been two years since I lost my precious son and since then my life has been turned upside down. I miss him so much every single day and no matter how much time passes the pain never gets any easier.

"Sheldon was the love of my life and my best friend, I am just so lost without him.

"He changed my life for the better. When I was told that I was having a little boy I couldn't believe how lucky I was. I had always wanted a son so much and when I gave birth to my beautiful boy it was the best day of my life.

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“It is just too hard to accept that all of that has been taken away from me.

Sheldon's mum says he was 'the love of her life and her best friend'.Sheldon's mum says he was 'the love of her life and her best friend'.
Sheldon's mum says he was 'the love of her life and her best friend'.

"He should be here getting excited for Christmas. I should be buying him presents instead I am waiting for his head stone to be laid down.

"I only got to spend four short years with Sheldon but they were the best four years of my life.

"I just wish we had more time together. I wish I had got to enjoy seeing him reach all of the important milestones in life. I feel so robbed.”

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A five-day inquest, which has been postponed for numerous reasons including the pandemic, is scheduled for March 2021.

Sheldon was a 'funny and loving' four-year-old.Sheldon was a 'funny and loving' four-year-old.
Sheldon was a 'funny and loving' four-year-old.

At a previous pre-inquest review, senior coroner Derek Winter said Sheldon’s death may be ‘unnatural’ and a final hearing will look into the care he received in hospital.

His devastated family said they were told he died of suspected sepsis.

Katrina spent two days in hospital with Sheldon believing he had a serious viral infection before he was discharged.

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Less than 24 hours later Sheldon was rushed back into hospital after his condition worsened and he tragically died in his family’s arms.

Mum Katrina Keegan, 25, pictured with Sheldon.Mum Katrina Keegan, 25, pictured with Sheldon.
Mum Katrina Keegan, 25, pictured with Sheldon.

"It is hard for me to move forward when I have the thought of the upcoming inquest,” Katrina said.

"I am nervous of having to relive the events of that weekend and seeing the doctors who were responsible for Sheldon’s care will be extremely difficult for me.

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"Every day without Sheldon in my life is a struggle but I get through it by focusing on getting justice for my boy – it’s the least he deserves.

"I will always miss my baby boy and I am so proud to call him my son.

"Sheldon is missed and loved beyond words and I will never forget my beautiful, funny, loving Sheldon – my one in a million son.”

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