It is ‘highly likely’ that a toddler’s fatal brain injuries were inflicted upon him, an inquest heard today.

Samuel Harry was just 19 months old when he was rushed to hospital on April 21 2013.Three days later he died from the effects of subdural haematoma.

At the time of his death the infant was in the care of his mother Deanna Buffham and her former partner Ryan Bate, who blame each other for the child’s death

Samuel’s father Nicholas Harry, 30, from Houghton Regis, has made repeated appeals to the Crown Prosecution Service and the police to investigate the pair, but to date no charges have been brought.

At an inquest in Ampthill, which concludes today, emergency medical practitioner Roger Smith said that when he arrived at the Bedford home of Miss Buffham and Mr Bate on the morning of the incident, he found Samuel sitting on the lap of Mr Bate in the living room.

The child was said to have had a ‘vacant stare’ and did not respond to the paramedic’s arrival.

Mr Smith found that Samuel was at risk of hypothermia, as his body temperature had dipped to 34.9c

The toddler made no response to his heel being pricked for a blood pressure test and also had a dilated pupil.

Mr Smith said: “He was very poorly. (Miss Buffham and Mr Bate) had said that he had been unwell with diarrhea and vomiting.

“They were upset but calm.”

The inquest heard that in an earlier statement made to police, Mr Smith said that he was told by Mr Bate that Samuel was found face down in his cot.

At bedford A+E his heart rate began to drop as he had seizures.

From there he was taken to the intensive care unit for a CT scan, which found a ‘huge’ amount of bleeding between the child’s brain and skull.

No physical injuries were found on inspection, though Dr Kiran Naik told the inquest that it was possible this is consistent with a blow to a soft object, such as a carpeted floor.

Samuel was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for neurosurgery.

The following morning the toddler was placed into the care of paediatric consultant Diamuid O’Donnell, who told the inquest yesterday that it was immediately obvious to him that Samuel was ‘very critically ill’.

Dr O’Donnell said: “It was clear from very early on that the CT scan was very abnormal and that the pressure (in Samuel’s head) was excessively high.

“By the time I took over it was clear it was a grim situation.

“My conclusion was that there was no meaningful prospect of recovery...my advice was to discontinue life support”.

Doctors undertook a number of tests to establish whether there could have been any natural causes for Samuel’s poor condition, but turned up no answers.

At 4,40pm that afternoon Samuel’s life support machine was switched off and palliative care was initiated.

The following day the decision was taken to put in place a do-not-resusciate order and 24 hours later Samuel died.

Based on the conclusions of tests conducted at Addenbrooke’s, Dr O’Donnell told the inquest that it was ‘highly likely’ the child was subjected to an inflicted injury.

This assessment was backed by Home Office pathologist Nathaniel Cary, who conducted a post mortem examination on Samuel two days after his death.

Dr Cary told coroner Martin Oldham that it is ‘likely’ the injuries were caused to the toddler within half an hour of the ambulance being called, though he said he would not exclude the possibility of Samuel “languishing in a poor state for a while”.

He added: “I would say there was a trauma, for which there was no explanation”,

Samuel’s mother Deanna Buffham is due to appear at the conclusion of the inquest tomorrow, via video link from Falkirk.

Her ex-partner Ryan Bate is scheduled to give evidence in person shortly after.

An accountant has claimed that he is still looking for answers more than two months after a suspected postal vote fraud allegedly denied him and his mother a say in the general election.

Amit Ruparelia, 46, claims that he and his mother Manjula were both turned away from the polling station in Blenheim Crescent, Luton, at 7pm on May 7, by officers who told the pair that they had applied for a postal vote.

However Mr Ruparelia has told the Luton News that neither he or his mother submitted an application and that after a lengthy dispute at the polling station both were invited to complete tendered ballot papers, which do not go towards the final count.

It is also claimed that Mrs Ruparelia was turned away from the same polling station earlier that day, despite election rules stating that replacement postal votes can be requested before 5pm.

Mr Ruparelia exclusively told the Luton News: “We did receive white polling cards but we have never appliedfor postal votes.

“My question is, why have the council not produced the postal vote application for mum and I? Also why has this not been referred to the police?”

In a bid to discover if there was postal vote fraud across Luton during the election Mr Ruparelia submitted a freedom of information request to find out how many tendered ballot papers were cast.

The 46-year-old was issued a refusal notice by the council, as the FOI Act does not apply to electoral returning officers.

Mr Ruparelia, who has also made a formal complaint, said he intends to refer the refusal notice to the Information Commissioner.

The allegation has also been passed on to Luton South MP Gavin Shuker, who is pushing for a meeting between Mr Ruparelia and council chief executive Trevor Holden.

In a letter to Mr Holden, Mr Shuker writes: “I believe that the most important matter to be addressed is to ensure that transparency and accountability are maintained at every single juncture.

“There clearly seems to be many discrepancies on a range of issues relating to this that need both addressing and ultimately receive satisfactory and full closure on.”

Speaking to the Luton News, Mr Holden said that the claim is being fully investigated by the council.

He said: “We have got no reason to think there was anything wrong with the election procedure around postal votes. If we have any question we refer the matter straight to the police.”

He added: “In terms of integrity I have no reason to question the election that has just taken place.”

“The circumstances of this are unfortunate but the matter is being dealt with through our complaints process and we look forward to a satisfactory conclusion.”

Lewsey Farm Estate Post Office held an open day to celebrate their recent refurbishment.

Leader of Luton Borough Council, councillor Hazel Simmons, cut the ribbon and greeted the customers at the St Dominic’s Square branch on Wednesday, July 8.

Sub post-mistress, Molly Patel, said: “We wanted to do the refurbishment for our customers as the post office we had was very old and dated.

“We wanted customers to have a good customer experience and that was not the environment for it.

“We also wanted the staff to have a brighter and up to date work place.”

The new counters have been lowered so customers in wheelchairs can access them easier and there is a new hearing loop system to help those with hearing problems.

Mrs Patel added: “The customers reaction to the changes have been very positive and they are glad we are open again.

“As Hazel said, you hear about a lot of post offices closing down and not a lot having a refurbishment, so it s great that we have been able to do this for our customers.”

A 34-year old woman from Luton was arrested this week on suspicion of smuggling illegal immigrants into the UK.

A warrant were carried out after a number of people, mainly Albanians, were detained by immigration services and police over the past few months.

The woman was arrested under section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971 on Wednesday, July 8.

Two men, aged 32 and 20, were also arrested in Finchley in north London, and Greenford in west London, as further warrants were carried out this week.

All three are alleged to be involved in the illegal entry of non-EU citizens into the UK. They have been bailed until September pending further inquiries.

A café in Finchley was also searched.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) supported by the National Crime Agency.

Nuisance motorcyclists are being targetted in a crackdown by Beds Police Special Constables.

Following a one-day clampdown last month (June) which saw 42 riders stopped on open land in and around Sundon pit, more high-profile operations are planned throughout the county.

Just under a third of those stopped were given various notices, including notices under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 warning their machines will be seized and possibly crushed if they continue to cause alarm, distress or annoyance to the public.

The rest were given verbal warning on condition they do not return and help spread the message that motorcyclists cannot ride on private land without permission, or tear along footpaths and bridleways.

The work follows hot on the heels of clampdowns by police and PCSOs, particularly around Houghton Regis as part of the on-going Operation Meteor initiative against nuisance bikes.

Chief Inspector Gavin Hughes-Rowland warned: “Not only do these bikers cause damage to crops and hedgerows, but by riding recklessly along footpaths and bridleways, they are putting members of the public, including walkers, cyclists and horse riders, in danger.

“The Specials will continue to help the force fight this issue by making regular visits to known biker hotspots. This nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated.”

The Special Constabulary is the UK’s volunteer police force. Bedfordshire Police has almost 240 Specials, but is aiming to more than double that number by Spring 2017.

To find out about becoming a Special with Bedfordshire Police, visit www.bedfordshire.police.uk

There was chaos for passengers after an elderly man suffered a flat tyre while driving on the busway – backing up several buses.

The man was driving along the busway when the tyre became damaged shortly after 3pm.

The incident took place between the Centrebus depot and White Lion business park.

Around three buses were forced to back up behind the car.

An eyewitness travelling to Dunstable said: “The gentlemen was old and seemed very confused, two more buses approached on my walk up the Downs so that would make five buses backed up.

“People started getting off the bus and started walking instead of waiting.”

And it turns out some passengers suggested a novel way of resolving the situation.

The witness added: “It’s quite far away from the exit of the busway, but people were suggesting to push the car along!”

<More on this story as it develops

A coroner has blasted a mother and her ex-partner after the pair blamed each other for the death of a toddler.

Samuel Harry was just 19 months old when he was rushed to Bedford Hospital on April 21 2013– and just three days later he died after suffering a bleed to the brain.

During a two day inquest, which concluded this afternoon, it was heard that it is ‘highly likely’ that the child’s injuries were inflicted upon him and that there is little or no possibility the death occurred through natural causes.

It was also heard that his injuries were consistent with a blow to a soft object, such as a carpeted floor.

At the time of being admitted to hospital Samuel was in the care of his mother Deanna Buffham and her former partner Ryan Bate, who both pointed the finger at each other during the hearing today.

When asked if she injured her son, Miss Buffham, who appeared via a video link from Falkirk, told the hearing “absolutely not”.

She added that she “can only assume” Samuel’s brain injuries were caused by Ryan Bate.

She said: “I would always protect Samuel, I would always tell the truth and do my utmost to find out what happened.

“I need answers as much as anyone else in that courtroom”.

However Ryan Bate later told the hearing: “It follows suit that it was Deanna, it was not me.

“If there were two people and it was not one of them then it must be the other.”

He later said he would have “done himself in” if he had caused Samuel’s death.

Despite extensive police investigations no charges were ever brought forward after the toddler’s death.

Coroner Martin Oldham today handed down a verdict of unlawful killing and condemned Miss Buffham and Mr Bate for their accounts.

He said: “They do know the truth but they have simply not come forward with it.

“I have not the slightest doubt that Samuel was unlawfully killed”.

Samuel’s father Nicholas, who is from Houghton Regis, sobbed as the verdict was read out.

In the days leading up to Samuel’s death the toddler was said to have been suffering from illness.

On April 20 2013 Mr Bate’s mother Sandra went to the couple’s home on Dynevar Close, Bedford, to help take care of the child and his newborn half-sister.

Shortly after Mrs Bate went home at 10pm her son left and was picked up by cameras driving towards Olney.

Between 10:16pm and 10:25pm Mr Bate received three text messages and two missed calls from Miss Buffham.

While at Addenbrooke’s Hospital days later Mr Bate deleted the messages, telling the inquest that he did so to free up memory on his phone.

He added: “I know it looks as dodgy as anything (but) I have got nothing to hide”.

Both Mr Bate and Miss Buffham claim not to remember the former leaving the home on that night, or who put Samuel to bed.

The inquest heard that at the time Miss Buffham would drink two to three bottles of wine a week, though had only had half a glass the night before Samuel was taken to hospital.

Miss Buffham told the hearing that on the day Samuel was found gravely ill she checked on him before going to stables in Wootton for a horse riding session.

The toddler was said to have been asleep on his back at the time, though Mr Bate told the inquest that he found Samuel face down in his cot later on.

Around 20 minutes after taking the child downstairs Mr Bate said that he noticed that Samuel had a dilated pupil and was unresponsive.

That night the toddler underwent neurosurgery but doctors were unable stem the bleed on his brain.

Following Samuel’s death Miss Buffham and Mr Bate split up and their newborn child was taken into care.

Miss Buffham has now had a third child after starting a relationship with Mr Bate’s brother.

While protesting her innocence today she said: “I can only assume that because there was no bruising or outward signs that the fatal blow to Samuel must have been caused on a soft surface.

“It takes time to realise that you introduced someone into Samuel’s life that hurt him.”

She concluded her evidence by telling coroner Martin Oldham: “Please find out what happened to my baby.”

Meanwhile Mr Bate said that he had ‘no reason’ to protect Miss Buffham.

He said: “I want to know what happened to Samuel.

“If I knew (Miss Buffham) had done something the police would have had to come get me.”

A memorial ceremony for those killed in the 7/7 bombings in London, including Luton woman Ojara Ikeagwu, was held in St George’s Square on Tuesday.

Mrs Ikeagwu, a social worker at Hounslow social services, was travelling to work and was killed when a bomb exploded at Russell Square.

At her inquest the 56-year-old mother of three was described by her husband as “an extrovert and she got on well with everyone she came across.

Mr Ikeagwu added: “Her death dealt a big blow to her family that has been difficult to recover from.

“She now has two grandchildren that she will never see.

“The people she was helping and the people she could have helped are all suffering since her death.”

Luton teacher Joan Abbott was also caught up in the terror attack, as she was just 100 yards away from the Tavistock Street bus blast which claimed 13 lives.

To mark the loss of Mrs Ikeagwu and other 7/7 victims, a number of residents conducted a memorial event in St George’s Square at 5.30pm by staging a community walk through Luton town centre.

The group met outside Luton Town Hall and embarked on the walk at 6pm, bringing together schools, councillors and community leaders.

St Mary’s Church interfaith worker Peter Adams said it had been organised by Muslim and Christian faith leaders to show a united front, following last week’s Britain First march and speculation surrounding the Bury Park family who are said to have fled to Syria.

He added: “We want to move beyond the negativity these things bring, and stand together to say our future is together, and we are committed to make it work.

“We are committed to walktogether. These past weeks as we prepared for the visit by Britain First some of us from across the Luton community have been talking a lot.

“We are planning to do a lot more together, to work hard to create opportunities for us to get to know each other better and work for that better future together.”

It was on the morning of July 7, 2005 that the four suicide bombers met at Luton station before heading into London to carry out the atrocity on the capital’s transport network.

19 people were arrested in a crackdown on domestic abuse across Bedfordshire.

Officers carried out warrants at numerous addresses in two days of action targeted at tackling offenders of such criminality.

While the majority of suspects were bailed pending further investigation, four people were charged with a total of eight offences including assault, theft and criminal damage. Another man was cautioned for harassment.

The warrants were led by the force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit supported by response officers and community policing teams and were carried out on Tuesday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 7.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “Domestic abuse is a priority for us at Bedfordshire Police and we are working with our partners and our communities to better identify vulnerable people, protect victims and bring offenders to justice.

“We work closely with partner agencies to safeguard those at risk and build evidence against people we suspect to be offenders. These arrests have given us the opportunity to put further measures in to help and support the victims.

“Domestic abuse comes in a range of crime types, from assaults and threatening or controlling behaviour to harassment, malicious communications, criminal damage, honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

“We should remember that not all victims of domestic abuse are young girls and women and we want to encourage male victims to also contact us for help.

“These days of action should send a clear message that we will not tolerate those who think it is acceptable to control or abuse their partner or family members. Those who do can expect a visit from my officers.”

If you or somebody you know is a victim of domestic abuse, contact police on 101, text information to 07786 200 011 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Always call 999 in an emergency.

A cheat from Luton who received nearly £40,000 in overpaid benefits after failing to declare his savings was spared jail after being convicted last month.

Tahir Qureshi, 49, of Beechwood Road, was convicted of benefit fraud at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, June 23.

He was sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, six months curfew between 11pm and 5am, a £80 victim surcharge and £400 prosecution costs.

The court was told how Qureshi was overpaid £33,688.50 in income support between July 2004 and December 2011, as well as an overpayment of council tax benefit of £3,550.20 from November 2005 to November 2011.

Mr Qureshi failed to notify the Department of Work and Pensions and the council about a large sum of money held in savings that would have restricted his benefit entitlement.

This sum of money apparently ranged from £74,000 to just under £100,000.

A spokesman for the DWP said: “That’s something that had he told DWP or the council, he wouldn’t have been entitled to as much benefits as he received.

“As far as the DWP are concerned, the amount of money overpaid to Mr Qureshi will be received from him. Action will be taken to retrieve it one way or another.”

He added: “This was also a case where we had to arrest a man because he refused to attend any of our interviews.”

There’s traffic chaos in the roadworks of the M1 northbound between junctions 11/12 after a multi vehicle accident.

Two lanes are closed, traffic backed up to Junction 10.

The traffic build up is described as ‘severe’.

A armed robber threatened terrified staff with a knife at a Co-op store in Luton this week.

The shocking incident took place between 9.55pm and 10.20pm on Wednesday, July 8 at the Co-op in Wigmore Lane.

A man entered the shop and brandished the knife, before demanding money from the till and safe.

He is described as black and stocky. He was wearing a grey hooded top underneath a dark blue one, with a checked scarf, blue Adidas trainers and an Umbro rucksack.

PC Iain Wise, investigating, said: “This was a nasty incident which will no doubt have a long-lasting effect on the shop staff who were working at the time.

“We are keen to get this dangerous man off the streets and are appealing for the public’s help in sharing information.

“We know from our CCTV enquiries that several people passed this store while walking their dogs. If you were in the area at the time we like to hear from you and continue to piece together the events of that night.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Wise on 101, text 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detectives are to take a fresh look at the death of toddler Sam Harry after a coroner ruled he was unlawfully killed this week.

Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit (MCU) initially investigated the death of 19-month-old Sam in Bedford in 2013. Two people were arrested during the investigation, however there was insufficient evidence to bring charges with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Coroner Martin Oldham recorded a verdict of ‘unlawful killing’ yesterday (Thursday) following a two-day inquest held at Ampthill.

Following the verdict, head of the MCU Detective Superintendent Paul Fullwood said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with Sam’s family at this difficult time and we fully understand their frustrations.

“In light of the coroner’s verdict I will be instigating a fresh review of the case.

“No unsolved murder is ever closed and we will do everything we can in order to bring those responsible to justice.”

Police are investigating two reports of sexual assaults in the Luton area which they believe may be linked.

On Saturday (4 July) at around 6.40pm, a man in traditional white Asian dress knocked at a woman’s door in Chester Avenue and entered uninvited. While inside the home he assaulted the victim by attempting to kiss and touch her.

On Tuesday (7 July) at 7pm, a man wearing similar attire let himself into a home in Dunstable Road and assaulted a woman by grabbing her arm and kissing it.

The offender in both incidents is described as being of slim build and aged between 40 and 60, and had told victims he was collecting money for a charity.

Detective Sergeant Michelle Lack said: “While neither of these women was injured, these are obviously highly distressing incidents.

“I am keen to speak to anyone who has knowledge of who was responsible for each of these assaults so that we can prevent further offences of this serious nature.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Rebecca Kitts, investigating both incidents, on 101, text 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Luton Youth Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday with performances from the critically-acclaimed Next Generation Youth Theatre, Sundon Park Juniors and Downside Primary pupils.

It also featured a climbing wall in addition to old favourites like the obstacle course, a range of inflatables and the Scouts activity camp.

There was also an opportunity for festival fans to pose for pictures alongside Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins, the mayor of Luton, Cllr Dave Taylor, the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson and CBBC star Jason Callender.

Festival-goer Chae White, who attended the first event 10 years ago, said: “It was so important to me when I was a kid.

“It gave me the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, feel part of the community and have fun.

“It was somewhere really different where there was a great atmosphere, lots to do and you could see live bands.”

The event was organised by Leagrave Youth Work Action Group and run by volunteers.

You can find out more information about the group online at www.lywag.org.uk.

A Rotarian who recently
completed 50 years of
‘Service Above Self’ has died after a short illness.

Eric Geoffrey Squires, 91, also played a vital role in the first few years of Keech Hospice Care where he was the charity’s initial volunteer treasurer
/auditor.

The Luton-born accountant was the son of local hat manufacturer Frank Squires.

He went to St Gregory’s Private Junior School and on to Bedford School.

He was articled to his grandfather’s accountancy firm, Crew Turnbull, and called up for military service in 1941 into the dental corps.

Geoffrey was also a keen athlete.

He was a Hatters supporter from the age of eight and joined South Beds Golf Club when he was 12.

He was a founder member of the Ace of Clubs tennis association where he met and married his wife, Janet Staddon, whose family were also hat manufacturers.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last month.

Their New Bedford Road home with its manicured lawns was the setting for many afternoon teas and croquet and clock golf matches.

Described as “quiet and unassuming,” Geoffrey loved his garden and was a popular member of Luton Probus Club where he had a wide circle of friends.

He was made an honorary member of Rotary in recognition of his service to the club in an accountancy capacity.

His funeral takes place at St Margaret’s Church, Streatley, at 11am on Friday, July 17.

Police have charged a man after two sexual assaults were committed in Luton last week.

Mohammed Nazir, in his 50s, of no fixed address, was arrested on Saturday, July 11.

He was charged with two counts of sexual assault and will appear in Luton Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday).

The assaults – previously reported by Luton Today here – are alleged to have taken place on Saturday, July 4 in Chester Avenue and Tuesday, July 7 in Dunstable Road.

A barn fire in Luton continues to burn over 24 hours since it was reported – with over 50 firefighters tackling it since yesterday (July 12).

Beds Fire and Rescue Service were inundated with some 87 calls about the fire at Newlands Farm, as plumes of smoke from the blaze could be seen from the M1 and Luton Airport.

The first call was received at 10.43 on Sunday morning.

When fire fighters arrived at the farm they found the barn – filled with about 100 tonnes of straw – one third of which was already on fire.

After bringing the fire under control, the decision was taken with the Environment Agency to let the fire burn itself out.

Since 4pm yesterday, fire crews have been rotating during the night to ensure the fire remains under control. It is expected to be extinguished later today.

A Beds Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Because of the fire’s proximity to the M1 and Luton Airport both the Highways Agency and Airport were informed and took appropriate action to warn drivers and pilots of the incident.

“There was no threat to either transport route with the M1 staying open and the airport continuing to operate.

“Fire Control continues to receive calls from drivers on the motorway, and the fire service is asking drivers on the M1 not to call in about smoke at J10 as we are well aware of the incident.

“Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank all those who have called about the incident.”

As part of the incident Firefighters helped protect a collection of snakes in a building opposite the barn fire by shielded it with a water curtain and other measures.

As snakes only have one lung there was concern for the snakes’ welfare and Firefighters assisted the owners of the reptiles in ensuring they were safe.

Armed police officers continue to search for a man after a stabbing at a children’s contact centre in Luton yesterday.

Beds Police were called to reports of an attack at Purple Professional Services on Rothesay Road at 4.45pm.

A man was taken by air ambulance to hospital with suspected stab wounds to his chest and chin and medics took a woman to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital by road.

At around 5.20pm armed officers were seen searching carriages at Luton train station but as of yet no arrests have been made.

A Beds Police spokesperson said: “(We) have launched an investigation into how and why the pair were injured and are conducting an area search for a second man who was seen making off from the scene at the time.

“That search continues this evening.”

Purple Professional Services uses its base on Rothesay Road to hold contact sessions between children and parents.

The Luton News has contacted the company for a comment.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or has information that may assist, can call police, in confidence, on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A mum is encouraging the people of Luton to get messy for a charity which she says saved her son’s life.

Lisa Zsentko from Stotfold says without Keech Hospice Care, which supports adults and children with life-limiting illnesses, her son Stone would not be alive today.

“I’m really looking forward to giving Keech’s Colour Dash in Wigmore Park this Sunday a go. I know first-hand just what a difference the money raised makes,” said Lisa.

As a baby, Stone’s heart stopped for 17 minutes. He was diagnosed with every mother’s worst nightmare - meningitis.

It left him severely brain damaged and took him back to being more like a four month old rather than the one year old he nearly was.

“At the hospital doctors tod me Stone only had a matter of days to live and asked me to sign a ‘do not resuscitate’ form in case his little heart stopped again.

“I refused to sign it and although I felt completely helpless, I knew I couldn’t give up.

“I couldn’t get any real answers to the many questions I had and I didn’t want my beautiful baby to die in hospital. It was then I discovered Keech.

“As soon as I brought Stone to Keech the nurses made me feel at ease and more in control.

“Over time, Stone started to respond and get better. Keech taught me the skills I needed to look after my special little man.

“Stone is now three years old, and although life is very different, Keech has helped and supported my whole family to come to terms with what’s happened and deal with our newly found circumstances. The charity provides me with reassurance and a safe place to bring my family to where we enjoy time together.

“Stone is doing really well now, but without Keech, he wouldn’t be alive today. Keech saved him.

“I’ve heard about this latest colour dash craze that’s sweeping the globe and think it sounds fun. Stone’s looking forward to taking part in his buggy and getting painted all the colours of the rainbow. It’s going to be a great day and our chance to give back and raise money for a charity which has done so much for my family,” Lisa said.

To date, 500 runners have signed up. Keech’s 5K Colour Dash at Wigmore Park on Sunday July 19 is a first for Luton.

Participants will be given a white T-shirt, with the Colour Bandits waiting to shower them in a rainbow of vibrant colours throughout the run. It’s a fantastic way to make some colourful memories.

Registered runners receive sunglasses, T-shirt, colour pouches, a medal and goody bag on completion. The run/walk is traffic-free and suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry is just £20 for adults and £10 for children. Colour Bandits of all ages are £10. Registration is open from 10am and the event starts at 11am. Places are going fast so sign up online now at www.keech.org.uk/colourdash