Paul Edward Rawley

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My son Paul was born on 5th December 1988 fit and healthy, or so we thought. On 16th December he was diagnosed with acute maple syrup urine disease. He spent the first 3 months of his life in our local children's hospital. The first 3 weeks were on the intensive care unit on a ventilator. Paul was a very happy go lucky boy with such a zest and energy for life that You would never have known there was a problem. He adapted to the special diet without any complaint or issue. He went to mainstream schools throughout and was in the junior school athletics and cross country team of which he was very proud of. He had many hospital admissions for various illnesses which affected his amino acid levels and condition. After 2 or 3 days he was on the mend and back home. On the 3rd April 2000 he was admitted to hospital with tonsilitus. They treated him the same way they normally did. After about 4 days metaphorically he was fine but in himself he wasn't recovering and he deteriorated. He was transferred to the intensive care unit on a ventilator but did not improve. On the 10th April 2000 my beautiful son lost his life aged 11yrs and 4 months old. This story as been condensed but if anyone as any questions please do not hesitate to ask. Thanks for takin time to read this