THE parents of a Cambridgeshire toddler who died from a rare brain disease will show their gratitude to the hospice that cared for their much loved son this weekend, by taking part in a fund raising Santa Run.

Sixteen-month-old Jacob Wright was taken to Milton Hospice after he died in his mum’s arms back in April, giving the family space to grieve before the funeral.

Mum Claire Wright said: “We can never ever thank everyone at the hospice enough for their care and support. We’re doing the Santa Run to raise funds, and hope others who read this story will be inspired to take part.

“We took Jacob to the hospice and stayed with him there for 10 days before it was time for his funeral. There was a carer dedicated to us and everyone was fabulous. They all worked really hard to make sure our time with Jacob was special.

“I remember one of the nurses putting on a nursery rhyme CD for him; so they were still looking after him even though he was no longer with us.

“The care team helped us with Jacob’s funeral. We didn’t have a clue what to do and where to start, so they sorted it all out for us, meaning we could spend quality time with our family in saying goodbye to our son..”

Jacob, the son of Claire and Bob Wright from Sutton near Ely had his first seizure when eight months old, and they increased in frequency until he was sometimes having 16 a day. An MRI scan taken in February showed Jacob had lesions on his brain, and he was diagnosed with Leigh’s Disease, which affects motor movements and breathing.

The condition progressed quickly, and in April he died peacefully in his mum’s arms, with his dad holding his hand.

Claire and Bob will be joined by several members of their family at the Santa Run in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) on Sunday morning, leaving the Oliver Cromwell Hotel in March at 11am.

Anyone wanting to take part can sign-up online: www.each.org.uk call 01223 205180 or email cambs@each.org.uk