THE parents of a 16-month-old toddler who died of suspected meningitis have paid tribute to their "blue-eyed boy".

Adam Foulkes, of Davenham Close, Malvern, died of suspected pneumococcal meningitis on Sunday.

His parents Donna, aged 33, and Steve, aged 35, described him as a "cheeky sunshine" and "blue-eyed-boy".

"Everyone remembers his bright blue eyes and big grin," said Mrs Foulkes. "He was a total socialite and charmed everyone.

"He's just going to be missed by hundreds of people. He touched so many lives."

Adam had received treatment for a rash on his face on Thursday, May 20, and was back at Baxhill Nursery, Malvern, the next day, after it cleared up.

But on Sunday, after a shopping trip to Worcester, he was put to bed for an afternoon nap. He was later found face down on his bed, not breathing.

Mrs Foulkes attempted resuscitation and called an ambulance, which took Adam to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 5.20pm.

Suffered

Mrs Foulkes suffered four miscarriages and the couple had undergone fertility treatment before Adam, their first and only child, was born, on Thursday, January 23, 2003.

"We were just delighted. We couldn't have wished for a better child. We were blessed," said Mr Foulkes.

The family had been on holiday to Canada and Hawaii over the past few months and Mr Foulkes said that Adam had won over everyone he met.

"We went up Diamond Head Canyon in Hawaii and I had Adam in a back-pack through all the tunnels and up the steps and everybody on that canyon knew his name by the time we came down."

The family had been due to fly to Australia on Saturday, June 5, to visit Mrs Foulkes' father, who had never met Adam.

His cremation will take place next Friday at Worcester Crematorium, followed by a thanksgiving at St

Andrew's Church in Poolbrook Road, where the couple married and Adam was christened.

Mrs Foulkes said everyone was welcome to attend the service, but requested that no one wears black.

"We want it to be a celebration of his life," she said.

Donations can be made through Holland Funeral Service and will go to the Meningitis Trust and Worcestershire NHS Hospitals Trust, for redecorating the relatives room at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Pneumococcal meningitis is a non-contagious form of the illness, caused by bacteria infecting the lining of the brain. It is particularly common in children under five.

Symptoms include a dislike of bright lights, headache, stiff neck, high fever and loud cries. Parents are advised to seek medical help if children display any of these.