Tiny Jake Morley-Towner lies in a cot at Poole Hospital smiling at his family, nurses and visitors. He is just six months old, and his parents are already planning his funeral.
For a month ago, Jake. the youngest of four children, was diagnosed with type one spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, the most serious form of the genetic condition that is robbing him of his ability to move. swallow, or breathe unaided,
Eight out of 10 babies with the condition die in the first year of life. Jake was baptised in hospital a week ago when his condition was critical, but he has since rallied.

After several trips to the doctor, Jake was sent for blood tests. One in 40 adults carry the faulty gene. and if two carriers have children together. there is a one in four chance the baby will have SMA.

Jake died at home on November 7. just two months after being diagnosed with type one Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition which sees most sufferers lose their fight for life before their First birthday.