Family's tribute to Sunderland boy, 7, after sudden death

Tributes have flooded in their thousands for Sunderland boy Dainton Austin who sadly died on August 19 following complications of a chest infection.

Dainton lived with microcephaly, a condition which causes brain bleeds, hearing and vision loss and meant he required family and hospital care.

Dainton Austin, 7. (Image: BILLIE JO HARGRAVE)

A chest infection saw Dainton rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital on August 15 where he was subsequently placed in to a induced coma. 

After being moved to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where he was supposed to be taken out of the coma, he sadly had another bleed which developed in to sepsis.

Dainton Austin, 7, with dad Ryan and brother Fraser. (Image: BILLIE JO HARGRAVE)

Despite the best efforts of doctors who performed CPR, Dainton passed away on August 19 at 2:40pm. 

Dainton's mum Billie Jo Hargrave, 26, has now paid a heartfelt tribute to her son who will "never be forgotten". 

She told the Echo: "He was such a happy little boy - everyone supported him because of his condition. He loved being out, and was quite active.

Dainton Austin, 7. (Image: BILLIE JO HARGRAVE)

"He had such a happy life, we took him to Alton Towers and Tenerife to try to give him the best life possible and was just so loved by everyone.

"Even when he did go in to hospital, he would come out of the other end which made it all such a shock."

In a heartbreaking post on social media dedicated to her "darling" boy, Billie Jo announced the news, prompting an influx of comments and well wishes.

Dainton with mum Billie Jo, brother Fraser and sister Bonnie Bleu. (Image: BILLIE JO HARGRAVE)

Over 1,000 people have paid tribute to Dainton's life, expressing condolences to those he has left behind including mum and dad Billie Jo and Ryan as well as brother Fraser and sister Bonnie Bleu.

"All the support we have received has made us feel a bit better - my mum's home looks like a florist because of the amount of flowers we have been sent.

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"But, I just don't know how any parent can go through this. I've seen it happen before but didn't realise what the pain would really be like.

"I just feel like I have lost my right arm, I did everything for him from getting up to going to sleep."

Hundreds are now expected to show up to Herrington Park in Sunderland today (August 23) to release biodegradable blue balloons - blue being chosen to match Dainton's eyes.