A FAMILY whose lives revolved around their "happiest little boy" have been devastated by his sudden passing over the weekend.
With Michelle Gormley, a mum of three girls, unexpectedly falling pregnant in 2019, James Junior Leyland was born as the family's "miracle boy" in May 2020.
James, who was autistic, non-verbal, epileptic, developmentally delayed, and a sufferer of sleep apnoea, was dealt a tough card in life but he was the "life and soul of the family" and "always had a smile on his face".
Because of James' condition, Michelle took a step back from her work and social life to become his full-time carer, but disaster struck on Sunday, February 11 when the mum found that her three-year-old son had passed away in his sleep.
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With James a frequent hospital visitor throughout his short life, Michelle and dad Wayne were constantly pushing for more answers on his condition.
As James needed constant round-the-clock care, his parents say they were often fighting for more support and a deeper look into his complex needs as he grew older.
The need for extra support became increasingly urgent as James began suffering from seizures for over a year, for which he was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy and given medication.
Michelle also said that because of James' severe sleep apnoea, which is where breathing stops and starts during sleep, she found him lifeless on two separate occasions, with him having to be rushed to the hospital for resuscitation for one of these episodes.
Understandably, James' multiple issues and round-the-clock care were a constant worry for his family, and their worst fears were realised over the weekend as he tragically passed away in his sleep.
Michelle, whose first-born son also died in his sleep 21 years ago, said: "James wasn't an ordinary boy. He had complex needs and was a very sensory little boy.
"But despite what life threw at him, he always had a smile on his face and he was just the happiest little boy.
"My first son died 21 years ago and I'm the mother of three girls, so when James came he was our miracle boy.
"He was our life and he never left my side, and now the house is so quiet without him."
After the tragedy was announced on social media, the community of Parr and St Helens immediately rallied around the family, with dozens of messages of support and condolences being sent their way.
A friend has also set up a GoFundMe page so that James is given the "send off he deserves", which has raised more than £2000 in just over two days after countless friends, family, and community members have donated.
One example of this generosity has come from Jon Atherton, who previously gifted a family £50 after they lost their shopping money, and dropped by Michelle's home to add £500 to the fundraiser despite not knowing the family.
Further events and fundraisers have been announced in honour of James and the family, such as a family fun day at Derbyshire Hill Family Centre and a charity football match in Newton-le-Willows.
Speaking about the support from the community, Michelle, from Parr, added: "People often call Parr but you cannot fault them with their help for others.
"My life changed after I had James and I had to take a step back to become his full-time carer, but everyone has still just been so supportive.
"Every time I look online, people are sharing the fundraiser or setting up their own. They've really tried their hardest to support us and I'm overwhelmed, to be honest.
"It's really got me through this and it makes me happy knowing that my little boy has also touched other people, and I can't thank them enough."
Michelle also paid a special mention to the Little Harvard's nursery and Bridge Centre SEND support group in Parr, who had helped to gain James a place at Lansbury Bridge primary school for September.
To donate to the fundraiser for James and the family, you can follow this link.
The Derbyshire Hill Family Centre will take place at 1pm on Sunday, March 3, while the charity football match will take place at the Hive on Sunday, February 25 at 2pm.
A balloon release in memory of James will also take place at 6pm on Thursday, February 24, close to Michelle's home on Micminnis Avenue in Parr.
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