A MOTHER has paid tribute to her son who “had a heart of gold” after an inquest ruled “multiple failings” by healthcare professionals led to the Southend boy’s death.

Following the conclusion of the inquest yesterday which found the death of William Gray, ten, from Southend, could have been prevented, his mother described him as a “funny and caring” boy.

William’s mother Christine Hui admitted it was a “bittersweet” day as the coroner, Sonia Hayes, delivered her verdict at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court.

Speaking yesterday, she said: “William was a funny, caring little boy who liked to make jokes and had a heart of gold. He was adored by his friends.

“He had dreams of working in medicine as a doctor or a paramedic because he saw the care he was given, and he wanted to do that for others.

“Today is bittersweet because, while the coroner’s conclusion gives us some closure, this is the final stage in saying goodbye to our son, brother, grandson, great grandson, nephew and friend.”

The coroner will be writing three “prevention of future deaths” reports to The East of England Ambulance Service, Asthma and allergy services at Essex Partnership University NHS Trust and The Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee.

Christine added: “There is nothing that can take away the grief our family feels, but it is our hope that another family will hear our story and it could prevent a further tragedy.”

William’s family are represented by solicitor Julie Struthers, at law firm Leigh Day and barrister Emily Slocombe from Old Square Chambers.

Julie Struthers, a solicitor at Leigh Day, said: “In an inquest involving concerns with medical treatment it is rare for a coroner to find neglect.

“This reflects the real tragedy of what happened to William, the substantial number of failures by multiple healthcare professionals in his care, and the importance of improving asthma treatment for children nationwide.”