A bench has been placed in Oswaldtwistle in memory of tiny triplet Joshua Whittaker in time for the sixth anniversary of his death.
Joshua was one of triplets born to Phil and Lindsey Whittaker at Queen’s Park Hospital, Blackburn in January 2005.
They were born by caesarean section seven weeks early and the couple were told Joshua had a heart problem by surgeons.
A scan after 20 weeks showed a valve in his heart had not formed properly and doctors told them he would need three operations by the time he was five if he was to survive.
He was just 10 weeks old when he stopped breathing at the family’s home in Barnard Close. Phil tried to give him the kiss of life and paramedics were called to the house and rushed him to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he died.
Now a bench has been placed across the road from his parents’ home, in memory of him, having been funded by the Stanhill Village Committee. Lindsey said: "We have a bit of spare land across the road and it used to have a bench in place. I mentioned to the committee we would like to have a bench there, and now it has been done.
"The children all play in the area so we thought it would allow us to sit and watch them to make sure they are okay and that it would also be a place where we could remember Joshua."
A plaque has been placed on the bench which reads ‘Joshua James Whittaker, 20 Jan - 30 March 2005. Triplets Forever.’
Joshua’s brother Benjamin and sister Ella recently celebrated their sixth birthdays and the couple also have children Lauren, 17 and Sophie, 14. Lindsey said: "The main thing behind this is the community. I am so grateful to my neighbours as we have really good ones.
Phil works as a fireman in Accrington while Lindsay works for an insurance brokers.
