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A family has shared their devastation after the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy just days after he fell ill with what was initially believed to be a stomach bug. Bailey Shrimpton from Crewkerne came home from school on Thursday, October 23, complaining of stomach pain and later began vomiting.
Over the course of four days, Bailey became more and more ill before he tragically died in hospital on Monday, October 27, leaving his family distraught. Sharing tributes in an online fundraiser, his family said the 10-year-old arrived home from school with stomach pain and started being sick a few hours later
Despite not being able to keep food down, Bailey “still seemed cheerful – happily playing Xbox with his friends”. His family explained they hoped it was just a bug that would pass and made sure he drank plenty of water.
On Friday, Bailey was still unwell and the vomiting continued. “We kept him hydrated throughout the day, still thinking it was a virus, especially since he was chatting with friends, watching YouTube, and seemed himself,” the fundraiser went on.
His family explained that Bailey was still unable to eat anything by Saturday and shortly before 11am, his family sought medical advice by calling 111. On the recommendation of the doctor who rang back, Bailey’s family took him to Yeovil A&E.
The post said: “We spent around five hours there while Bailey was put on fluids, had blood tests, and received anti-sickness medication. Although his infection markers were raised, we were told it was likely a viral infection and were sent home with a leaflet.”
Bailey seemed to get “a little better” when they returned home, the family said, and he managed to keep fluids down until he began vomiting at around 1am on Sunday, October 26. They said that, “following the hospital’s advice” they believed the infection was running its course.
“Throughout Sunday, he continued to have stomach pain, but he looked brighter and kept reassuring us, saying he was fine and that we shouldn’t worry,” the post said. Things took a turn for the worse that night, when Bailey’s sister called for help while he was sick in bed.
His family wrote: “What we saw next will stay with us forever — his skin was mottled and blue. We knew instantly that something was terribly wrong and called 999.
“Moments later, Bailey told us he couldn’t feel his body and couldn’t see anything — those were his final words. He began to seize and then stopped breathing.”
Bailey’s stepdad began performing CPR following instructions from the 999 operator, followed by Bailey’s mum Charly when he became exhausted. They continued until paramedics arrived, who worked to get Bailey breathing again while he was transported to an air ambulance in Crewkerne, before being flown to Southampton Hospital.
“Miraculously, they managed to restart his heart, and we were taken there by police escort,” the post continued.
Tragically, after undergoing scans and tests at the hospital, doctors told Bailey’s family his brain showed no activity and his organs failed. His family described the heartbreaking moment they said goodbye to their son.
“We were given time to say our goodbyes,” they said. “Surrounded by his family — mum Charly, stepdad Ash, dad Andrew, and his partner Tash — we held him close as the machines were turned off. We felt his heart stop, and in that moment, our world shattered.
“Bailey had the biggest smile, the kindest heart, and an imagination that could fill the whole world. He loved spending time with his Dad at weekends and holidays, playing xbox with his friends, going to truck shows, spending time with his siblings George (his brother age 4), Harper (sister age 6), Bella (sister 8), Kayla (8 years old the day Bailey passed away), Layla (sister 10) , Demi (sister 13), Abbie (sister 15) and he made every day brighter just by being himself.
“We have more questions than answers right now and will update everyone as we learn more. Coming home without him has been unbearable. His little sister Harper, who’s only six, is staying with her dad for now, as she’s finding it too difficult to be at home.
“We’re trying our best to stay strong for our family, but this has been the hardest thing imaginable. No one ever prepares for losing a child — or for the cost of saying goodbye. We never thought we’d have to ask for help, but we want to give Bailey the beautiful send-off he deserves.”
A fundraiser has been created to support Bailey’s family and raise money to help cover funeral costs. Since its creation, the page has raised more than £9,000 out of its £16,000 target. Click here to support Bailey’s fundraiser.
