Baby Carter's parents renew appeal for heart donation

By Kris Jepson

The parents of baby, Carter Cookson, have renewed their appeal for a new heart to be donated so it can be used in a life saving transplant.

Carter was born on Boxing Day, but suffered three cardiac arrests hours after his birth.

Since then he has been assisted by a special machine called an "Ecmo", which enables his heart to pump blood around his body.

His parents say he has between four to five weeks to live unless a new heart can be found.

Watch @krisjepson's report here:

During the past week, Carter's parents have experienced both "highs and lows".

They have been encouraged by the support people are giving them, both in the hospital, across the region and around the world.

Sarah Cookson told ITV News:

In the last week, doctors had to temporarily paralyse Carter's body to avoid fatal bleeding. His dad, Chris Cookson, said this was particularly difficult.

For Carter to receive a new heart, it would mean another family have to lose their baby.

NHS Blood and Transplant's Lead Nurse, Angie Scales, told ITV News that although it is a difficult decision to make, donating the organs of your child can often benefit the parents during the grieving process.

Carter's parents know only too well that they, themselves, may have to make that very difficult decision if a heart cannot be found for their son.

They said they would have no qualms about donating Carter's organs in those circumstances.