A TODDLER has choked to death after a lollipop came off its stick and stuck in his throat.
Francis Dean, two, started struggling for breath after being given the lolly as a treat after his tea. His brother Michael, 13, took hold of the stick but it came away in his hand.
Family and friends tried frantically to save Francis and called an ambulance, but he died before reaching hospital.
Today the heartbroken family, from Newton Heath, were preparing to bury Francis at All Saints Church, near their home.
Dad David, an NHS gym instructor, and mum Dawn, a manager for First Choice holidays, are now warning other parents of small children to be extra careful with lollies and are urging the High Peak-based manufacturers of the lollipop, Swizzels Matlow, to make the warnings on sweets clearer. The company said it would mount a full investigation into what had happened once it had received more information.
Mrs Dean, who was away on a business conference when it happened, said: "We're absolutely devastated. It feels like a nightmare. He often had a treat, a lolly or ice cream, after his tea.
"His dad asked him what he wanted and he asked for 'a pop'. It had been in his mouth less than 30 seconds when Michael saw he was in distress. The stick came away in his hand."
The 'double lolly' was part of Swizzels Matlow's 'lots of lollies' assortment bag which carries a warning, printed on a seal on the back of the packet, which says: 'Lollipops are a potential choking hazard. Not suitable for children under 36 months.'
But the cellophane wrapper on the actual lollipop does not carry any warning. "It shouldn't have come off the stick," said Mrs Dean. "Kids love sweets and lollipops and this could have been any sweet given to any child.
"We would urge the manufacturers to put warnings on each individual lolly or to make them smaller. I'd just say to other parents, you can never be too cautious. We would never have thought this could harm our child."
The mum-of-two paid tribute to her 'baby' who had celebrated his second birthday with a party in July. She said: "We had two-and-a-half wonderful years with him. He was full of life. He loved playing with his toys, his Power Rangers and cars. He liked football and had his own little cricket set to play with his brother. They were very close - he was close to all his family.
"He was a very, very happy chap. He loved nursery and had some wonderful friends who, like everyone else, are devastated.
It is the second tragedy to hit the family. Dawn and David's niece, Claire Burns, 21, drowned off the Blackpool coast last year.
Two white doves were to be released at Francis' funeral in honour of the pair. The family are asking for donations to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in Francis' name.
Mrs Dean said: "We want to thank everyone, all our lovely friends and family and neighbours, for their comforting words and everything they've done for him and us. We love kids and the Booth Hall staff did a fantastic job for Francis when he was treated for pneumonia last year. The staff at the Children's Hospital tried their best this time. They were wonderful but they couldn't help him."
Andrew Matlow, associate communications director at Swizzels Matlow, said: "All at Swizzels Matlow were devastated to hear of the tragic death of this baby boy.
"Most of us are parents and we can only imagine both the pain and anguish that the little boy's parents are currently facing.
"As soon as we are furnished with more details we will of course mount a full investigation."
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how sad my thoughts are with you. This shouldnt be happening in this day and age
This is a terrible tragedy. My wife & I were only saying this week that lollipops made by Swizzels Matlow come off their sticks all too easily. I'm not sure if other manufacturers are the same but all of them need to take a look at their products.
From an accident waiting to happen, to an accident that has happened.
How very, very sad. Poor,gorgous little fella. My heart goes out to his parents and family. Am always telling my own two boys (10 and 8) not to run about with lollies in their mouths because they could choke. They look at me like I'm some kind of lunatic, over-protective mum. Am going to show them this tragic story in the hope that they'll finally realise what I'm saying is REALLY important.
What a tragic story. My heart really goes out to this family.
We have a 4 month old at home, I couldn't imagine something happening to him.
How utterly devastating. My heart goes out to the family. May little Francis rest in peace.
How awful. My thoughts are with Francis and his family. Rest In Peace Francis x
Very sad, but these things happen.
A similar tragedy happened in Salford or Swinton a good few years ago and since then I would not allow my daughter to have this type of lollipop. She now has children of her own and I have urged her not to let them have them either. They should've stopped making them years ago!
RIP Son,what a sad thing to happen the thought of it happening is sickening.
David, Dawn & Michael, losing Francis is so devastating. My thoughts are with you. Lots of Love Joanne & Team @ Thomson, Manchester Market Street xx
i was taking my 3 yr old daughter to school today, the funeral cortege of this young angel passed by us and i realised how very lucky i am, god bless little angel. sleep tight
very sad, but the instructions are not to give any small sweets or toys to children under 3. how many just ignore this warning then expect the sweet company to take the blame.
Sending all the family all our love,Rest in peace little man xx
All our love Angela and Girls at Thomson in Stockport xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
How very sad and my heart goes out to the family.
I very rarely let my daughter have lollipops because I always worry about the stick and even though she is six I won't let her have gum and I'm very wary about her trying to blow up balloons.
My thoughts are with Dawn, Dave and the family at this time. My heart felt sympathy at this tragic accident. I cant imagine what you must be going through.
Rest in Peace little Frankie <3
Love to Dawn, Dave and Michael.
Love
Kim and Jenny
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Oldham/Rochdale First Choice Shop
I do not like my children having these type of lollys for fear of choking on them. Over the years there have been several stories of young children choking to death on lollypops. They should be designed differently, either made smaller or flatter. It makes no difference, warning that they should not be given to children under 3 years, because I know a 5 year old who died after being given one in a birthday goody bag and even a boy of 7. These are potentially deadly sweets and in my opinion should be withdrawn from sale
so so sad, my sympaties to the fmily f this very young boy, this is a terrible accident.
This is so sad, and I feel for the family and friends of this poor lad, and the thought of what it would be like if it was one of my children is unbearable, but asking for the removal of sale for this lolly is just a knee jerk reaction that this country is getting so good at. Where do we draw the line? There are many things that are a danger to kids and adults alike, but unfortunately we cannot sanitise the world.
My thoughts are with you. RIP little man x
RIP beautiful little boy, may you sleep tight in the arms of the angels.
God bless the family and friends of this little boy
x CRG
Rest in peace little angel xx
Tragic. I just hope parents with youngsters will see this and take extra care with this type of sweet.
I can't begin to even imagine how Mum and Dad feel.
Rest in peace Frankie. We miss you Love Stuart, Joanne and Eva. x x x x x x
Try to put yourself in the shoes of the parents who have just buried their son.Then read comments.
Almost every adult on the planet has had a near death experience from choking.On a fish bone,biscuit crumbs,whatever ,yet they have managed not to come on and relate their story.On the other hand others,where the sub text is-'I am not a careless parent ,this would never happen to my child' are completely insensitive to the fact that the parents may read these comments.What may happen to your child is that they may grow up into a callous,insensitive idiot like you.
So very sad.
R.I.P Little man xxx.