MY WARNING TO ALL PARENTS

Something so small brought Ayla Rutherford, 30, and her family so much devastation

- MISHAAL KHAN, SOPHIE NORRIS

As I added the finishing touches to an alphabet poster, I put it up on the wall with drawing pins and pointed out the letters to my sons Soren, five, and Axel, four. It was January 2021 and I was homeschooling the boys, as I’d always done. As ever, the room was peppered with boards and pictures I had collated for our lessons.

Axel and Soren – or Axey and Soso as my husband Josh, 30, and I called them were typical brothers, arguing over toys one minute and playing and giggling sweetly the next. Axel was energetic and confident, he loved diving in the dressing up box and leaping around the house as Woody from Toy Story. On this particular day, he was excited about Soren’s upcoming sixth birthday. We had plans to celebrate with family and friends at home, with pizzas and cake.

PLEADING FOR HELP

That Saturday– 9 January, Soren’s birthday – I was up early baking a PJ Masks birthday cake ahead of a gathering of family and friends at our home, which we shared with Josh’s parents, aged 54 and 55.

At 9 am, Josh came downstairs to watch the kids while I went to get dressed. But I suddenly heard Josh shouting, ‘Axel can’t breathe!’ I ran to find Axel choking as Josh attempted the Heimlich manoeuvre. As a parent, you’re used to moments of panic when your child falls over or bangs their head, but this time I could see the panic in Axel’s face as his eyes widened and he gasped for air. It’s a look I’ll never forget.