Tragedy as asthma attack kills boy, seven

A seven-year-old boy from the Black Country has died suddenly after a chronic asthma attack, leaving his family devastated.

Brandon Bird, of Rushall Close, Stourbridge, suffered from pneumonia and a series of chest infections before he was rushed to hospital during the attack which claimed his life. He died just five days before his eighth birthday.

His mother, Emma Bird, aged 30, called him "a little livewire" and said memories of her beloved son would live on.

"It was so sudden and we never expected this would happen," she said.

"One day he seems fine and the next he's gone. We can't believe it."

The youngster began coughing heavily on April 12 and was taken to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

He lost consciousness and died within minutes despite doctors' efforts to save him.

Miss Bird, said: "He went grey and started having a fit and I knew things were looking bad.

"We watched them try to resuscitate him but after 20 minutes they had to stop — it was too late."

More than 50 people attended his funeral on Thursday at Stourbridge Crematorium, including his friends from Brook Primary School in George Street, Stourbridge.

The coffin was decked in red and blue ribbons, and a number 53 sticker — he loved the Volkswagen Beetle car Herbie, from the Love Bug films in the 1960s.

Brandon enjoyed dancing and was a "proper little Billy Elliot", according to his grandfather, Malcolm Sheaf.

He was a fan of R&B singer Usher, reggae group UB40 and loved ITV sitcom Benidorm, Miss Bird said.

Along with his mum, he leaves brother, Corey, 10, and step-sister Katie, 18.

Miss Bird added: "He will be remembered for being so lively and always dancing around. He loved music and had a great memory for songs."

The family marked what would have been his eighth birthday last Sunday by releasing Chinese lanterns into the sky outside their home.

Brandon had contracted pneumonia, aged two, and shortly after was diagnosed with bronchial asthma and given an inhaler to manage the condition. His asthma worsened in February this year when he developed pneumonia again.

Despite taking courses of strong antibiotics, he contracted three chest infections and had difficulty breathing.

But in the days leading up to his death, Brandon's family say he seemed "much brighter" and had been "full of energy".

The youngster also suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Dyspraxia.