MOTHER who lost her ‘beautiful baby’ to cot death has praised the medical staff who tried to save him.

Lewes Cameron Morris-Montrose, from Weymouth, was just three months old when he tragically died on September 19 last year.

At an inquest at County Hall in Dorchester West Dorset Coroner Michael Johnston said there had been no previous medical concerns over Lewes and he had been well the previous day.

He said Lewes's mother, Fiona Montrose, took him to bed at around 11pm, with the baby sleeping in a cot in her room until about 1am.

Mr Johnston said Mrs Montrose tried to feed Lewes when he woke up but he wouldn’t take much food and wouldn’t stay still so she put him in her double bed next to her at about 5am.

He added: “Tragically she woke up at 7am and he was then unresponsive and she called an ambulance.”

Mr Johnston said Mrs Montrose made attempts to resuscitate him, which was continued by ambulance staff until 8am.

Lewes was officially declared dead at Dorset County Hospital.

Pathologist Dr Liina Kiho, who carried out an examination of Lewes’ body, said she could find no underlying medical reason as to why the baby had suddenly died.

She concluded that Lewes had died from sudden infant death syndrome, which Mr Johnston recorded as the cause of death.

In his verdict Mr Johnston said Lewes had died of natural causes.

He told the youngster’s family: “I always feel terribly inadequate, there is nothing you can say when you have lost a child or a grandchild and I’m desperately sorry for you.”

In a statement following the inquest Mrs Montrose said: “Our beautiful baby Lewes was taken from us with sudden infant death syndrome (cot death) at just three months.

“Everyday we grieve but we also have such wonderful memories of him. He will always be so loved and missed very much.”

Mrs Montrose went on to thank all those who tried in vain to help save Lewes and those who had offered support since the tragedy.

She said: “I would like to thank all those involved with the family during this time, for their kindness, care and professionalism throughout - particularly the ambulance crew and accident and emergency staff of Dorset County Hospital who tried so hard to revive Lewes.

“Also the 999 operator who helped me through the CPR, St Andrew’s Church, my health visitor, my doctor, St Andrew’s CofE School, Budmouth College, Co-operative Funeral Directors, the London pathologist and the coroner’s office.

“Without everyone’s kindness this time would have been even more difficult for our family.

“I also would like to thank my family and true friends who have supported me throughout.”