A HEARTBROKEN mum who lost her son days before Christmas after he contracted a deadly virus has vowed to help support other grieving parents. Little Jack Kennedy, a former pupil at Barrhead's Arthurlie Nursey, died just days before his sixth birthday - which would have been Christmas Day.

Devastated Arlene Clark, 29, and Neilston dad Derek Kennedy, had their world turned upside down when Arlene found her beloved son in their home.

Fearing the worst, Arlene, a school teacher, and Jack's dad Derek, a joiner - phoned for an ambulance straight away, praying that the paramedics could revive their five-year-old son.

In a blurred state of panic, the parents begged to sit with Jack while he was rushed from Glasgow's Yorkhill to Edinburgh's Sick Kids Hospital but were told lack of space would mean they would have to follow in a car.

Ninety minutes later Jack and his parents finally arrived at the hospital where he was taken into the intensive care unit.

However, Jack had contracted a deadly virus which left his brain starved of oxygen. He tragically passed away just hours later.

His grief-stricken mum admitted her world has been "ripped apart" following his untimely death on December 19, 2012 but said she is now determined to help other parents going through the same pain.

Arlene said: "I haven't really been able to speak about Jack's death and it's something that torments me every single day.

"However on Valentine's Day this year I decided to set up the Brightest Star Charity Group and blog about Jack as I realised there was very few ways for people who have lost a child to reach out to one another.

"I set up the group in Jack's name in a way to try and comfort myself and other grieving parents so we can offer support to one another." Recalling the evening Jack passed away, Arlene said she knew that something was wrong when her usually bubbly son became quiet after contracting a common childhood virus.

She said: "When you are told by doctors your child has a virus you would never expect it to kill someone. I thought viruses were minor things which could be cleared up in a matter of days.

"Seeing him being taken away in the ambulance and not being able to spend those last 90 minutes with him tears my heart out.

"Jack was my entire life. Every day something reminds me of him." "However since setting up Brightest Star I feel like I have something to be motivated towards during this unbearable time." Following a growing interest in Arlene's blog and a series of events held in honour of Jack, Brightest Star has already managed to raise an incredible �7,000 for charity.

Inspired by Jack's hero The Incredible Hulk, Arlene also hopes to open Hulks Haven, a place where bereaved parents, grandparents and siblings can come to stay.

In the haven they can benefit from counselling and meet other bereaved parents who know what they are going through.

Arlene continued: "I was in the supermarket recently wearing a Hulk t-shirt for Jack and these two young children came up to me and said Jack's name as they knew it was his favourite character.

"I filled up with tears but it was comforting to know that so many people remembered Jack and thought about him.

"Before I was too weak to find help but knowing that Brightest Star can help other bereaved parents gives me the strength I need." Now, a prominent local business is throwing their weight behind the cause and is holding a whole weekend of fundraising for the charity set up in Jack's name.

On May 31, Uplawmoor Hotel kicks off a three day fundraising extravaganza for the charity with a tasting of their new menu on Friday, with half of the proceeds going to Brightest Star, an over 18's disco on the Saturday night and a family fun day on the Sunday with bouncy castles, face painting and entertainment.

Popular band Scooby Snacks will also be playing on Sunday night.

A spokeswoman for Uplawmoor Hotel said: "We are all local people in here and we wanted to do something to support the family who have their local ties too.

"It's going to be a great weekend and all for a great cause too." To find out more, log on to www.brighteststar.org.uk.