A GRIEVING mum, whose baby son died in an intensive care bed 80 miles from his home, today pledged to continue her crusade to improve children's hospital facilities in East Lancashire.

Helen Jackson has told health chiefs: "I won't let you forget my son."

A Burnley-based judge's inquiry into the death of 10-year-old Nicholas Geldard from Stockport - who died after being shuttled around four hospitals - slammed the complex arrangements for intensive child care in the North West.

Lewis, who was 21 months old, died in a Stoke-on-Trent hospital from a genetic defect after a bed could not be found in the North West.

Judge Bill Ashworth, also chairman of the East Lancashire Health Authority, headed the probe into Nicholas's death.

He and his team accused the medical authorities of "ghastly misjudgement".

The inquiry revealed that between August 1 and mid-December last year, the two Manchester children's hospitals refused admission to 56 children. Alder Hey in Liverpool turned away 59.

Mrs Jackson says she will not allow the North West Regional Health Authority, which has decided not to hold an inquiry into Lewis's death, to forget that her son has died.

She said: "I have written about 300 letters to various organisations. The situation is getting worse and something needs to be done.

"I have also written to Camelot to tell them I think it is disgusting they are giving money to the arts and there is no benefit for the hospitals."

Mrs Jackson and her husband, John, have launched the Lewis Jackson Appeal Fund to buy equipment vital for youngsters with heart and lung disorders. for Queen's Park in Blackburn, Burnley General and the Royal Preston.

Mr and Mrs Jackson are desperate to acquire a signed Blackburn Rovers or Preston North End shirt or a football for a charity night.

They are also planning a Stars in Your Eyes event. Anybody who can help can call them on 01200 443546.

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