It is with great sadness that our dear friends, Paul and Tracy Ede, have announced the passing of their beloved son, Eliot.

Many of you will know Paul and Tracy, as well as their other son, Morgan — they are well-known and loved throughout the local community, and for good reason.

For those who don’t know them: Paul works for the ambulance service as an emergency care assistant, helping to treat people in life-threatening emergencies. Before this, he served as a firefighter. He also has strong connections with the local farming community and often assists farmers, especially with tree felling. Alongside all this, he lovingly helped provide care for Eliot.

Eliot had an extremely rare genetic condition, which meant doctors had very little to base treatment or prognosis on. Tragically, they predicted he would have a short life. Eliot’s condition meant he was wheelchair-bound, had swallowing difficulties (and was PEG-fed), and was non-verbal. He also suffered from increasingly frequent seizures that became harder to control over time. Despite all of this, Eliot was a happy boy, full of personality — and he always made it known when he was or wasn’t pleased!

Morgan, Eliot’s older brother, is a brilliant young man who also has strong connections to the farming community. He is a true older brother (in the best way) in every sense. Despite Paul and Tracy having to remain dedicated to caring for Eliot full-time — which I know sometimes made them feel that Morgan might be missing out — he has remained mature, loved his brother deeply, helped care for him, and stood up for him at school (even if it got him in trouble!). He has never been spiteful or jealous of the attention Eliot required.

Tracy has been key in holding everything together. She was Eliot’s full-time carer, providing dedicated, loving care while also looking after the rest of her family — and keeping Paul and Morgan in line! Despite the demands of her role, and with the support of Paul, Morgan, and Paul’s mother, the family gave Eliot the best care possible and the happiest life he could have had.

As close friends, we wanted to raise funds both for the family and for two charities — Children’s Hospice South West and Ronald McDonald House Charities — who offered incredible support to Eliot and his family.

Donations will help Paul and Tracy with funeral costs and any other needs they may have at this difficult time. Any remaining funds will be split equally between the two charities.

Many friends have asked about contributing to a collection for the family, and we felt that a GoFundMe page would be the best way to do this.

We have now twice exceeded our targets (initially £500, then £2000), and do not feel it is fair to ask for more by changing the target, but any further donations will be greatly appreciated and will be going to an excellent cause.

Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.

Matt Packham and Tara Marchant