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Tiny Riley Hughes died earlier this year from whooping cough. His mum Catherine, has not stopped raising awareness and now she is being recognised for her great work.

“Riley was just 32-days-old, and we left the hospital with empty arms and broken hearts,” Catherine shared earlier this year.

“His death has devastated our family, and we will do everything we can to prevent this happening to another baby or family,” the mother-of-two added.

riley 2

She has been passionately campaigning over the last eight months to raise awareness of the importance of parents vaccinating their children against preventable diseases.

Her efforts have not gone unrecognised, Catherine has been announced as the Western Australia Young Australian of the Year.

She did it! So incredibly proud to announce that Catherine is Western Australia’s Young Australian of the year winner. She spoke so wonderfully well and though I may be biased I think it’s thoroughly deserved! Thank you everyone who’s supported her.  -Riley’s Dad

riley

Every Australian state and territory has free whooping cough booster shots available to pregnant women.

Catherine has also raised $70,000 for whooping cough research.

A mother’s heart ache has no end, Catherine will continue to fight for the cause.

Congratulations, Catherine. We are all proud of what you are doing.

Share your thoughts below.

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  • Amazing that through her loss she found a way to help others. What a wonderful woman.

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  • Congratulations on your award – you deserve it!

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  • Just a terrible tragedy. I often see his photo pop up on facebook. His memory is well and truly alive.

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  • How sad thanks for sharing this article

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  • heart breaking for this family I hope it saves some babies lives

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  • That beautiful baby boy :( Just extremely sad. Every time I see this photo of him I get emotional and just want to hold my bub even closer. I am not sure I could have moved on done what Catherine has done. She is so brave and strong and deserves the accolades she is now receiving. I wish her and her family all the best.

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  • heartbreaking – poor loves… bless you for advocating x

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  • Congratulations Cathreine in your amazing achievement. You really are an inspiration and your beautiful sin would be so proud of you.

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  • What a wonderful way to honour baby Riley ..you certainly are a most deserving winner. Well done Catherine for bringing and keeping this wonderful cause out in the forefront.
    Bless You.

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  • You are such a strong woman
    I had a premmie baby 2 years ago and anyone who came to see my daughter had to have their shot first

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  • What a sad story. A trully deserved reward. Stay strong Catherine.

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  • YOU ARE VERY STRONG LADY RILEY WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF HIS MUMMY YOUR STORY BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES …..BABIES ARE SO PRECIOUS I HOPE ONE DAY YOU ARE BLESSED WITH ANOTHER LITTLE PRECIOUS BUNDLE ……..STAY STRONG AND JUST KNOW YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB

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  • yes definatley get a vaccine if you are going to be around little ones.

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  • So pleased she won the award – however all vaccinations should be given to children and all the booster vaccines should be given to children and adults whenever needed.

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  • This gave me goose bumps. A wonderful achievement and something good has come out of such a tragedy. I wish her all the best.

    Reply

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