Mum pays tribute after her son dies aged 13

Aug 14 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A BRAVE teenager who suffered brain damage as a baby has lost his battle for life. Michael Ridge was just six months old when he caught an infection which cut off the oxygen supply to his brain as he slept.

He suffered severe brain damage and was left unable to walk, talk or eat without assistance. For 13 years he battled the condition and spent countless nights in and out of hospital receiving treatment and care from specialists.

But Michael’s mum yesterday said her teenage son crammed a lifetime of incredible memories into his short life.

Michael lost his fight for life last Wednesday. He died at St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth, Newcastle.

Heartbroken mother Lesley Ridge, 39, of Rosedon Court, Longbenton, North Tyneside, last night fought tears to pay a moving tribute to Michael.

She said: “He just tried to do so much in such a short space of time. We had to do everything for him, from washing him in the morning, to feeding him at night.

“Some people think it’s difficult taking care of someone who has a life-shortening illness and at times it was.

“But he was such a pleasure to have. He was such a happy little boy and all he ever wanted to do was sing and make himself heard. He only had a short life but he lived it to the full. It seems like a strange thing to say, but I knew the end had come. I knew he was not going to be coming out of hospital this time.”

Michael had one older brother, Daniel, 16, and a foster brother, Anthony Tudor, also 16, who both helped care for him.

Mrs Ridge last night said the 13-year-old was an avid fan of rock music and both brothers spent hours entertaining him in the bedroom of their home, playing the drums and strumming the guitar.

She said: “His brothers have been so brave. Daniel gave everything for his brother, all his time was spent with him.

“He has spent every Christmas in hospital and pretty much grown up in that environment.

“But he has never complained. Everything has always revolved around Michael and now he is devastated. He is 16 and he has just started his life.

“He says his brother was his best friend. My foster son Anthony had also grown quite a bond with Michael. He’s been with us for three years and he has been very good and supportive for Daniel.”

For the past four years, the youngster had spent three days a week at St Oswald’s Hospice, where nurses have given his mother much needed rest.

And last night she reserved special praise for the carers who had eased her family’s pain.

Mrs Ridge said: “I couldn’t imagine doing this without them. I want to thank them and I wouldn’t have got through like I have done.

“I know he has touched all their lives as well, but they made it all possible.”