The death of a North East dad who became paralysed after a trampoline accident has been a major blow to the family.

Rob Harcourt, 37, passed away in the arms of his loved ones last month after suffering from a "catastrophic" injury while attempting a backflip at his friend's house.

The Stockton scaffolder, who had been treated in the Intensive Care Unit at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, was left paralysed from the chest down.

Read more: Family's heartache as dad killed in trampoline accident was due to have another child

He later underwent a second operation to help stabilise his neck, but according to his mum, suffered a pulmonary embolism, causing a cardiac arrest and brain damage.

As a result, he had been transferred to a hospice to receive round-the-clock care but died with his family by his side shortly after.

The Northern Echo: Rob Harcourt, left, with partner Jade Higgins Picture: NORTHERN ECHORob Harcourt, left, with partner Jade Higgins Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Last week, his family laid him to rest at Blue House Woodland Burials in Wingate, County Durham, where hundreds turned out.

Read more: Funeral held for Stockton dad Robert Harcourt who died in trampoline accident

Meanwhile, Rob's girlfriend, Jade Higgins revealed to The Northern Echo that the pair was due to have another child days after his tragic death.

But the family has now revealed that Jade is now expecting a boy and will be giving him a very special name too.

Jackie Graves, Rob's mother, said their baby boy will be called Robert after his father, Jackson after his mother, after his uncle.

She said the name had been chosen before Rob had the accident and added: "Our little ray of sunshine in the darkness.

The Northern Echo: The baby scan at 12 weeks Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe baby scan at 12 weeks Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

"Me and Rob already had a name chosen. (He will be called) Robert Jackson John Harcourt."

At Rob's funeral on Sunday, many gathered with black umbrellas as the rain fell on the procession, which brought the casket to a pasture of trees nearby.

A eulogy was then read out as the procession surrounded the area where Mr Harcourt would be laid to rest.

Written by his mum Jackie, the passage looked to “celebrate the life of a unique personality” and featured tributes from close friends as well.

A GoFundMe which was set up to support his family has so far seen more than £10,000 raised by hundreds of well-wishers. 

Rob's death has previously seen thousands of tributes paid to him online from far and wide.

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