THE parents of a one-year-old boy at high risk of sudden cardiac death have said they will be “devastated and completely lost” if Blandford Nursery is closed.

Both one-year-old Philip and his father Kevin O’Donnell, 46, suffer from an enlargement of the heart commonly called sudden death syndrome.

Philip was diagnosed at three-months-old and his mother Katerzyna Sienkiewicz, 33, was told she had a type of cancer called lymphoma five months later in July 2012.

Whilst Katerzyna underwent six months of chemotherapy, Blandford Nursery staff supported the family and went out of their way to look after Philip, even refreshing their First Aid training.

Kevin said: “The wonderful staff at Blandford Nursery helped us out so much with our son at such a difficult time.

“I really do not know how we would have coped without them. We would be devastated and completely lost if the nursery closes. My son really needs extra care and attention and who would want to take him on?”

In January this year, Kevin had a heart attack as a result of his condition, but his life was saved by his pacemaker. Parents are currently campaigning to save Blandford Nursery, Shaftesbury Nursery and Oscars Out of School Club which have been earmarked for closure on 31 March 2014.

Despite efforts to save these Dorset County Council services, they are not longer financially viable and are likely to have lost around £134,000 by April 2014.

Cllr Rebecca Knox, cabinet member for children's safeguarding and families, said: “We have made every effort to keep the two nurseries and out-of-school club open but, sadly, matters have not improved.

“The decision to close was taken reluctantly and officers are working hard to find alternatives.”