A WOMAN who has taken over the care of her newborn grandson following his mother’s sudden death is among nominees for the Grandparent of the Year Award at this year’s Argus Community Stars.

The award, sponsored by the Hilton in Brighton, may go to brave Marion Cook, who was devastated when her daughter Laura Newland died suddenly at the age of 30 – seven weeks after she gave birth to baby Jaxson.

Marion, 56, from Portslade, has been left to look after Jaxson and Laura’s seven-year-old son Callum.

On August 17, Laura complained to her mother that she had breathing difficulties and promised to have it checked out in her post-natal appointment the following day. But she died within hours from an embolism caused by the movement of a blood clot which had grown undetected during her pregnancy.

Marion, who works at the Sewing Shop in Shoreham, said: “It is just such a shock. We never expected this in a million years.

“She wanted Jaxson so desperately and she hasn’t had the chance to enjoy him. I find that incredibly sad. It is completely devastating for everyone.”

Life is tough now for Marion who is caring for the boys.

She said: “I’m OK in the day because I’m so busy looking after Jaxson.

“But at three or four in the morning I just can’t get back to sleep because my brain doesn’t switch off.”

Marion has been comforting the growing boy by putting one of Laura’s T-shirts in his crib as it still has her smell on it.

She said: “He’s such a snugly baby and you see him squirming around clearly looking to snuggle up to her.”

Marion is not sure how she will help Callum come to terms with his mother’s death.

Friends have started raising funds to support Laura’s family. To donate, visit bit.ly/2bCW6ep.