What was meant to be a joyful family trip turned into a heartbreaking
tragedy when 4-year-old Jaxon Knowles suddenly fell ill and passed away
from meningococcal disease — a rare and aggressive form of meningitis.
Jaxon had been feeling unwell after a trip to Blackpool, complaining of arm pain and a stomach ache. His mom,
Sammy, gave him paracetamol and let him sleep in her bed, as she often
did when he wasn’t feeling well. But by morning, his condition had worsened
dramatically — a rash appeared, his mouth swelled, and he struggled to breathe.
Despite the efforts of emergency responders,
and doctors, Jaxon passed away on February 17. His parents, Sammy and Jordan,
are devastated, calling him their “miracle baby” after seven years
of trying to conceive.Now, they’re using their grief
to raise awareness about meningitis, hoping to help other families
recognize the signs early. A fundraiser in Jaxon’s name supports Meningitis Now,
and his favorite football club, Sheffield Wednesday, plans to honor him
with a tribute at an upcoming match. “He was everything to us,” Sammy said. “Now our world is empty.”