A grieving grandmother today paid tribute to the remarkable "little man" for whom she cared after he lost his mother.

Janet Wood, last year's Echo Carer of the Year, is now struggling to come to terms with the loss, which has left her devastated.

Mrs Wood, 59, of Pavilion Drive, Leigh, defied all advice when she took on the care of Josh after her daughter, Melissa, died of a pulmonary embolism six years ago at the age of 30.

Premature Josh, who died last month just ten days before his 15th birthday, suffered from hydrocephalus - an overactive build-up of fluid on the brain - cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs and epilepsy. He was also blind and had to eat via a tube to his stomach.

The only words he could say was "love ya" and he often blew kisses to his mu m. Mrs Wood said: "He was just a joy and made us so proud. "I didn't look after him - he looked after me. I want him back. To lose one is one too many but to lose two is just too much."

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