Thank you for taking a look at my fundraising page for the Jack Dulson Memorial Fund. Jack was a really good friend of my children and their mutual friends and we all miss him very much.

I can't quite believe that it is over 10 since we received the absolutely devastating news. Only a couple of days before we had been told that the medical teams thought Jack had "turned a corner" and it would be a long way to recovery, but things were definitely looking better. Jack should be 21 in July 2025.

A virus or a bacterial infection?

Children's Paracetemol or antibiotics?

Go with your gut feel and push for tests and ask for an explanation of the results. What is it that your child has, what do they need. If you aren't happy PLEASE ask for a second opinion, without embarrassment. You know your own child better than anyone.

Jack became ill in February 2014:

Sickness

Lethargy

Lack of appetite

Later Jack suffered from:

Knee joint pain

A very high temperature

Eventually, Jack found it difficult to sit or lie down, because he said his throat was closing. Even at this point his family had to fight for him to have an early blood test, fight for the results to be discussed and fight again for Jack to be admitted to hospital that day.

Jack was diagnosed as having a virus.

A few short weeks later and as Jack became really quite poorly it became apparent, through blood tests, X-rays, close monitoring, that he had a bacterial infection and, to stand any chance of receiving the help he needed, Jack was to be blue-lighted to be looked after by a team at Birmingham Children's Hospital. This move came too late. Bear in mind Jack had been quite poorly for some time, but had never been too ill before so he was very keen, as always, to go into school. He was not one to complain.

Jack's family had been told he had a virus from which he would recover with time and to give him the usual children's Paracetemol etc. No reason to keep Jack at home if he felt a bit better. Maybe going in would cheer him up? He went in and won a swimming competition!

Jack's symptoms were treated as individual issues. He was a keen sportsman so likely to have knee pain. The sickness? He seemed to have a virus so he's bound to be lethargic and off his food! If reviewed thinking there might be one possible cause, running more tests, then things may have been different. His family will never know. Jack may have received the antibiotics he very badly needed in a timely way.

Jack’s family set up the Jack Dulson Memorial Fund, having found no useful reference point online during his illness. The charity helps to raise awareness of the bacterial infection Staphylococcus aureus that ultimately affected Jack's heart and caused Pericarditis (affecting the lining of the heart). Prior to this Jack was fit and healthy. There was no underlying cause of illness. The toxins caused by Staph aureus can attack any organ of the body if it enters the blood stream.

Jack is still, of course, very much loved by his family and friends. The money raised goes to help young people achieve and to raise awareness. The trustees and volunteers are all unpaid. Any expenses are essential and kept to a minimum. We have fantastic sponsors and supporters.

My message following Jack's untimely death, is to say to act early and never feel a nuisance. If you think something say it to the medical team and get them to act upon your feelings. It is highly likely your questions will be valid and right.

https://jackdulsonmemorialfund.org.uk