In Memory of Our Brave Little Man
Written by heart mum, Lindsay Brooks
John Arthur Brooks was born at Leeds General Infirmary on 28th April 2008. We were given his CHD diagnosis prenatally at 27 weeks, and although his condition was complex we decided to continue with the pregnancy and give John a chance at life.
From the very beginning John proved what a brave, courageous little boy he was who never gave up. Despite the odds stacked against him with his health, he battled on and did it with the most beautiful smile on his face.
John Arthur Brooks, born April 2008
Over the years John has had some major obstacles to overcome and as a family we’ve faced some pretty terrifying times with his health but he always pulled through with the amazing team behind him on Ward 51.
We are eternally grateful to the Heart team a Leeds, for never giving up on him.
John never complained, was always polite and charming to anyone who ever met him.
In fact he used to say he felt bad for children who were ill, or suffered and that he wished he knew how to help them.
He would worry about others and how things affected them, and he never felt he was more deserving of anything. If he was treated or awarded anything he would always ask what his brother would receive too.
He took great pleasure in giving to other people. His friends, family and charity.
In fact our New Year’s Eve consisted of a party that he would charge admission to the people who attended and we would play bingo and do raffles so he could raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
We’ve benefitted as a family from this amazing charity in numerous ways. From the parental accommodation, parents room on the ward and also the activities they have kindly donated to the ward that helped the children through their stay in hospital.
John’s Katie bear, certificates and medals are proudly displayed in his bedroom from his surgeries that the charity provided. We cannot thank the ward and charity enough for their support through difficult stressful moments.
John was a massive Lego fan. To the point of being fanatical about it. He would always ask the play specialists for a box of Lego to play with.
If he had a stay in hospital I was always sent to the Lego shop for a new set or he would look forward to a trip to the Lego shop following his check up with Dr Hares (Dr Dom).
On the morning John passed away he built an amazing little house and a model that said I love you which was kindly sent to us by the liaison nurse Mike.
John’s ‘I ❤ U’ Lego model, from the morning he passed away
So many people have loved John throughout his life, anyone who has ever met him has been completely charmed by him but he never realised it.
He was such a humble little boy. He would often ask why people liked him so much. We used to tell him it was because he is was an amazing little boy. The messages we have received from people since his death, have all remarked on his lovely smile and how he was always such a happy little boy. We have been completely overwhelmed by the incredible support shown to us by friends and family.
His wonderful Godmother Kirsty and her two daughters decided to start the Miles for JB fundraising by walking 100 miles in a month. This was their incredible way of honouring our son.
Then his younger brother’s rugby team followed on by doing a sponsored bike ride in his honour raising even more money in support of such an important charity.
There have been so many donations it has been truly amazing. We cannot put into words how thankful we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives. People who are willing to help keep the memory of our beautiful boy alive.
Although our story ended in heartache, and our boys fight had to end we are proud to support CHSF as there are many more children who can benefit from it, and John would want that.
John was our first born, the first to steal our hearts and create a love that cannot be expressed in words. Rest now baby boy we love and miss you so much.
John passed away at LGI on 12th April 2021.
John’s Godmother, Kirsty, said:
When the world loses someone so young, it’s hard to make sense of it and you feel useless to help those suffering from the heartbreak.
The girls and I did our ‘Marathon in May’ to try and do something to help, in whatever small way we could. I think it also gave people a way to show their support.
So many people generously donated and we quickly hit £1,000 for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund – thank you to everyone x
We were joined in the fundraising by the amazing families of the Lock Lane Under 11’s rugby team. They joined John’s dad Andy and brother Luke on a sponsored bike ride.
They did an AMAZING job and this weekend the JustGiving page hit over £4,000!
I hope we’ve done you proud JB x #MilesforJB #TeamCHSF
In memory of John Arthur Brooks
28.04.08 – 12.04.21
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