Vandals trash grave of "little fighter" who died at eight months with rare genetic disorder

Mum Donna Varley, 30, said it was "beyond disgusting" that her son Kaison's grave, in Morley Cemetery, was vandalised - causing hundreds of pounds of damage.

She received a call from her mum, who had been visiting the grave, on Wednesday to let her know the awful news.

Lamps and a wind chime had been pulled from the ground, while artificial flowers used to spell Kaison's name had been pulled off.

Donna said: "I was so shocked because Kaison is so well known around here because of what we went through together.

"Who would do such a horrible thing to anybody's grave, let alone a baby's grave?"

She spent two hours that evening in the rain repairing her son's resting place and is constantly wanting to go to check on it.

Little Kaison Varley died at home in Morley on Easter Sunday of this year, with much of his life spent in and out of hospital.

He was born a "happy and healthy" baby but quickly developed breathing problems.

After two trips to hospital in a month and growing concern from Donna, Kaison was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease – a chronic condition that prevents the body from producing enough energy for organ function.

"From then on, our lives changed drastically," said Donna, who also has a daughter, Kaidy, ten. "We had doctors' appointments every day from Monday to Friday.

"He went through so much at just seven weeks old."

"Little fighter" Kaison suffered issues with his kidneys and liver, and was also diagnosed with West Syndrome, which causes seizures.

The stark reality of the disease hit home for Donna and her family.

"I knew my little boy was going to die," Donna said. "From then on I tried to give him the best life I possibly could.

"We never knew what was going to be the last day. I had to make as many memories as I could with him."

Donna and family members have now stepped up visits to Kaison's grave to three times a day between them to ensure nothing else happens to it.

"I was angry as well as upset as it is my pride and joy," Donna added.

"I've made it so it's as bright and beautiful as it can be for me and for him.

"I went up and took everything off the grave, cleaned everything, then put it back the way I like it."

Donna is also calling for increased funding and awareness of mitochondrial disease, for which there is no treatment or cure.

She has created a petition for people to sign to encourage the Government to look into the issue.