Preston mill lit up blue in remembrance of terminally ill Lancashire toddler

Members of the 'Here for Humanity' group lit up the Craggs Row corn mill blue last night to remember three year old tot Carson, who died after suffering kidney failure and a bleed on his brain.
The Cragg's Row mill was lit up in blue to remember three-year-old Carson. Photo by Mark McLoughlin.The Cragg's Row mill was lit up in blue to remember three-year-old Carson. Photo by Mark McLoughlin.
The Cragg's Row mill was lit up in blue to remember three-year-old Carson. Photo by Mark McLoughlin.

Brave Carson Adams, from Blackburn, was born with congenital heart disease and underwent major open heart surgery just three weeks into his life.

After undergoing seven heart surgeries and the last four months in intensive care, the three-year-old lost his battle on Tuesday, November 17 after suffering a kidney failure and a bleed to the brain.

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And he was the longest ever ICU patient at Alder Hey, spending a total of 114 days in their intensive care unit before he died.

Preston's 'Here for Humanity' community group, who provide cooked meals to vulnerable members of society and run a foodbank has been close supporters of Carson and his family through their struggles.

On November 1, the organisation battled walking 32-miles from Royal Preston hospital to Alder Hey in Liverpool, where Carson was undergoing treatment.

They raised £5,140 as a collective, with half of the donations given to the Adams family.

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Group director Chris Murray, 32, cheered with Carson's family outside the children's hospital once they had completed the walk, and has been a close supporter of the Blackburn family throughout their struggles.

Chris and his family remember the toddler. Photo by Mark McLoughlinChris and his family remember the toddler. Photo by Mark McLoughlin
Chris and his family remember the toddler. Photo by Mark McLoughlin

Last night's memorial was an opportunity for people to say their final goodbyes to the toddler.

He said: "Carson was so unique and his case was unprecedented, he is the longest ever ICU patient and the only patient ever to have his operation at Alder Hey. He was unbelievable and a special little boy.

"We wanted to have everybody with our organisation involved because we are all so heartbroken. So many people in Preston followed Carson story and we wanted to give them somewhere to say goodbye in their own way."

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Families and households were given the opportunity to enter the 17th-century mill and light a candle in remembrance or Carson whilst the building shone brightly in blue.

Candles were lit in support of Carson and his family after his passing. Photo by Mark McLoughlinCandles were lit in support of Carson and his family after his passing. Photo by Mark McLoughlin
Candles were lit in support of Carson and his family after his passing. Photo by Mark McLoughlin

Chris added: "Carson's family have messaged me and thanked me for their support which was beautiful. It was a wave of light in support of them. This morning felt like we all did what we could and we had closure on his passing.

"I have been very involved with raising money for the family and I know they were so strong."

Carson's mum Amylee Adams and dad Chris documented the life of their son to more than 8,000 people and at the beginning of the week, posted that their son's body had rejected the kidney dialysis and that her son was going to die.

The family said they were 'living a real nightmare'.

Balloons, flowers and posters were brought to the Cragg's Row mill last night. Photo by Mark McLoughlin.Balloons, flowers and posters were brought to the Cragg's Row mill last night. Photo by Mark McLoughlin.
Balloons, flowers and posters were brought to the Cragg's Row mill last night. Photo by Mark McLoughlin.
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The priest from Alder Hey Children's Hospital was called to bless Carson on Monday before he sadly died on Tuesday evening.

Preston's 'Here for Humanity' has recently undergone a planning application to get the Craggs Row mill developed into a food bank, along with building owner Richard Porter.

He added: "When we are working from the mill, we will always feel like Carson is there with us. He will continue to light up all of our lives."

Images taken by Mark McLoughlin photos.

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