A FATHER is facing the heart-breaking decision of turning off his son's life support machine after he was brain damaged by a potentially fatal infection.

Simon Annal, of South Bank, Middlesbrough, has been told his two-year-old son, Kieran, must have his foot, toes and fingers amputated. He has also been left blind after developing toxic shock syndrome.

The toddler is fighting for his life in Newcastle General Hospital and may need a kidney transplant but doctors have said they would be reluctant if he would be unable to have any quality of life.

Kieran developed the condition while he was in hospital receiving treatment for a broken leg after he was in collision with a car in Guisborough at 6pm on August 5.

"I have got some pretty horrendous decisions to make at a time when I should be celebrating his third birthday," said Mr Annal, 24, a chef in Middlesbrough.

"I have been by his bed all day every day and in the chapel praying for my son. I have had him blessed and anointed by the priest.

"I am devastated by what has happened. I just feel numb."

Kieran was originally taken to Guisborough General Hospital then transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital to have metal pins inserted in his legs.

But he became seriously ill and was taken to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital before being rushed to Newcastle General Hospital because his organs were beginning to fail.

Kieran was put on a life support machine and is still in a critical condition. The family is continuing a bedside vigil.