A “KIND and beautiful” scaffolder has died in the arms of his mum and girlfiend just weeks after a freak trampoline accident.
Rob Harcourt from Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, has sadly passed away from dislocating his neck falling into a trampoline last month – his family have paid a heartbreaking tribute to him.
He was 37 years old and worked as a scaffolder[/caption]
The 37-year-old was paralysed from the chest down after the terrifying fall in a friend’s garden which kinked his spinal cord.
The scaffolder underwent a series of operations and had round-the-clock care, unable to breathe on his own.
Tragically, the damage to his neck was irreparable and medics feared he could be brain damaged – last week doctors delivered the devastating news that he would never recover.
He died today at a hospice surrounded by friends and family.
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The young man’s life changed when he tripped and fell into a trampoline at his friend’s house.
He was immediately rushed to hospital where he later suffered a cardiac arrest and doctors found fluid and swelling on his brain.
Rob’s life could sadly not be saved, but he was able to spend his final moments with his family.
His mum Jackie Graves confirmed his passing today alongside herself and Rob’s partner Jade Higgins.
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She said in a tragic update: “My clever, funny, kind and beautiful son Rob has passed away in mine and Jade’s arms.
“Jimmy was with us too, holding his hand. Heartbroken doesn’t touch how we are feeling right now.”
In tributes across social media, hundreds of family and friends paid touching tributes to Rob.
The 37-year-old was known as a “popular guy and great friend”, while his mum called him a “wonderful man”.
One commenter even described him as a “wonderful character, a pillar for the Grove Hill community”, and said he was a “wholesome soul”.
A GoFundMe page was set up following the accident to support Rob’s recovery and family – now it has rocketed to over £9,000 from nearly 400 donors.
Before today’s latest development, Rob’s mum had previously said: “Because of the GoFundMe and the generosity of everybody, Jade has been able to focus on what she needs to do to get through each day.
“[She does not] have to worry about where the money for the rent is coming or money for the electric.
“It’s given her a little bit of breathing room to be able to focus on what she needs to do to be there for Rob and support herself and get herself through it.”
Other comments on the GoFundMe page read were heartbroken at the news of his death.
One wrote: “l hope the angels are holding you all tight, now and forever. xx”
Others were devastated by the news, even if they didn’t know Rob.
A stranger wrote: “From one stranger to another I sadly know the impact of losing a partner and my children’s dad unexpectedly. Sending you all so much love and strength. Such a sad story!”
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Someone else said: “Really sad, when I heard this! Thinking of nearest and dearest! RIP ROB! x”
A third commented: “I’m so sad to read this story in the news. It’s truly heartbreaking. I hope you find some comfort in the fact that so many people care and are thinking about you.”
Tributes have poured in for the young man[/caption]
