A FOUR-year-old boy has been struck down with a mystery illness, leaving his family devastated.
Little Joseph Wilkin was rushed to Blackburn Royal Infirmary after collapsing at home in Higher Stanhill, Oswaldtwistle.
Doctors said he was suffering from a form of encephalitis - inflammation of the brain - but are unsure of the precise cause.
After three weeks of keeping a bedside vigil, Joseph's parents John, 40, and Susan, 37, have been left physically and mentally exhausted.
"We're still in shock," said John.
"It has been so long since Joseph spoke that Susan said she can only just remember his voice.
"He is usually so full of life and such a little chatterbox that it is probably the hardest part seeing him silent and stuck in hospital.
"It's so frustrating that we can't find out what is really wrong with him. The doctors said they might never know.
"When he was rushed to hospital I thought we were going to lose him, he was so poorly. He was transferred to Queen's Park Hospital but his condition deteriorated and he was sent to Pendlebury Children's Hospital in Manchester with a crash team.
"He had drips in both hands and feet, a ventilation tube and wires on his head and chest to monitor him. Initially it was very difficult for us, but you have to become strong. We don't know if he will be brain- damaged and when he could come home but he would need speech therapy and occupational therapy."
Joseph was due to join older brother Lewis, eight, at West End Primary School, Oswaldtwistle, in September.
John, who is treasurer of the Stanhill Village Committee, praised both boys for their bravery.
He said: "Lewis is staying with his grandparents and has been very brave. The boys are close and they sit in bed together reading. Lewis really wants his brother back, we all do. Our house isn't a home anymore."
