THE parents of a severely disabled four-year-old boy described the moment they watched him pass away.

Kye Sammons was surrounded by relatives when he died at Helen and Douglas House hospice in East Oxford on Friday.

Kye, who suffered from epilepsy and cerebral palsy, was starved of oxygen at birth and was not expected to live more than 48 hours.

However, he fought on until a bout of double pneumonia proved too much for his little body to cope with.

His father, John Sammons, 39, said Kye died while his mother, Sarah, 34, washed him.

He said: “We feel empty.

“He was such a wonderful boy who brought so much happiness to so many people during his short life.

“Sarah was washing his eyes, and I had my hand on his shoulder, and he just went.

“His grandparents were there as well, and other family members, and it was as if he decided it was his time.

“Despite our sadness, we draw comfort from the fact he died on his own terms.

“We were worried he could die from a fit, but it was a very peaceful end.

“Kye was never meant to live for so long, and every day was a bonus for all of us.

“I’m so proud of him because he made everybody smile.”

Mrs Sammons said: “I just feel overwhelming grief. He was a beautiful boy.”

The couple, from Amb-roseden, near Bicester, were living at the hospice and keeping a 24-hour vigil at Kye’s bedside.

They also have a young daughter, Charlotte, who was born in November.

Mr Sammons, a driver for Oxford Bus Company, said: “We are so happy Kye got to meet his sister. They had an instant bond.”

Mr Sammons has written a poem to his son which he hopes to have tattooed on his back.

He said: “One of my passengers in Kidlington gave me £10 for his birthday after she recognised me from an Oxford Mail article.

“It’s that type of kindness that makes you want to cry”.

Mr Sammons also paid tribute to staff at Helen and Douglas House and at children’s charity Respite for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters (Rosy).

Clare Edwards, director of clinical services at the hospice, said: “It has been a privilege to look after Kye and his family. They have been so courageous.”

Kye’s funeral takes place on Friday at 3.45pm at Oxford Crematorium.

Anybody who knew Kye is welcome to attend.

The family has asked that any donations are made to Helen and Douglas House or Rosy.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk POEM FOR KYE The day has come to say goodbye, my son, The day has come to say well done.

Your short life has spread so much joy to so many.

Thank you for showing me so much life and love.

We will never forget your strength for life. Well done.

I will never forget my son.