'˜He was still our miracle baby because we got to meet him'

The Bucko family - Leah, Judah and Elijah - wisht tp thank the public for their support following the sad death of their baby Reuben Josiah ANL-180116-113236001

Little Reuben Josiah was born to Leah and Elijah Bucko “against all odds” three weeks early, weighing just 3.15lbs.

While he was fighting for his life on a ventilator in intensive care at Leicester Royal Infirmary, a crowdfunding page was set up to help the family, raising more than £2,000.

The gofundme page described the family’s emotional journey and how, in spite of confirmation from doctors that Reuben Josiah had Edward’s Syndrome, they still had “hope”.

Mum Leah said: “It was a shock to find out he had the syndrome.

“We were prepared he would be in hospital for some time and that he had life limiting heart defects.

“When he took a turn for the worse we were given some quality time with him and he went peacefully - that is all we could ask for.

“Reuben Josiah was still our miracle baby because we got to meet him.”

Now Leah, who is a member of the Storehouse Church, is hoping to start a group to support grieving mums.

She said: “We want to thank everyone who supported us through this difficult time. It means so much to us.

“I have spoken to my pastor about setting up a support group to help other families who go through what we did - that is what I’m hoping to do.”

Reuben Josiah’s funeral will take place on Friday, January 26, at the Storehouse at 10.30am