Family of ‘happiest’ little boy who died from rare condition unveil 'beautiful' lasting tribute to mark birthday

The family of the ‘happiest’ little boy who died from a rare condition have unveiled a 'beautiful" lasting tribute.

Jude Drinkwater's parents have helped raise around £500 to install a 'buddy bench' in a Heaton Chapel park.

Last week would have been Jude's fourth birthday. The toddler, who suffered from a genetic disorder that affects brain development, died aged 22 months on New Year's Day 2020.

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In girls, Rett Syndrome can lead to severe disability. In boys, it is fatal.

Last year dad Phil walked from Stockport to Crosby Beach to help raise funds for the memorial bench in Manchester Road Park, Heaton Chapel,.

The Drinkwater family installed the bench on February 25 to mark Jude’s 4th birthday – introducing him to his brand new baby sister Marnie, who was born in January.

Dad Phil Drinkwater said: “We knew the bench would be a beautiful thing.

"But we didn’t quite realise how important it would be for us, our friends and our family to have a place to go together to remember Jude and celebrate his life.

"We walk past it every day, and it helps us remain close to our son in a way that’s hard to describe.

Phil said he has been amazed by the community's response to the bench.

He added: "Almost every time we walk past, there are families or friends gathered there, reading the inscription or just hanging out. "It seems to have become a focal point for our locals and neighbours, who send us messages all the time about how much they love it at the centre of the park.

“It’s just another way now that Jude lives on with us in our everyday lives, helping to raise awareness of Rett Syndrome and the charity Reverse Rett, and to keep our