Little Jack Parker faced a life of limitations and a list of things he would never be able to achieve.

With the help of his proud mum Emma, the determined Carlisle boy set out to live his life to the full and without limits.

Despite his severe disabilities, the 10-year-old exceeded all expectations and became an inspiration for others, a legacy all who knew him hope will live on beyond his death last week.

Jack couldn't talk but found ways to communicate.

He couldn't walk but drew people to him like a magnet.

He made friends wherever he went, and was loved dearly by all who knew and cared for him.

Jack died last Wednesday, January 11, at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

He was four-months-old when he was diagnosed with polymicrogyria, a condition which meant part of his brain was missing and he would never walk or talk.

Polymicrogyria literally means “too many small folds” on his brain. Its severity can vary: it may cause minor neurological problems like mild seizures that can be easily controlled with medication, or can affect the entire brain, causing severe intellectual disability, problems with movement and seizures that are difficult or impossible to control with medication.

Jack's polymicrogyria was at the severe end of the spectrum and heavily affected his development. He also suffered from epilepsy, had other complex needs and needed round the clock care.

Doctors warned mum Emma that most children have a life expectancy of just five.

Despite this, she refused to treat him as different, encouraging him to find a way to adapt to his disabilities and ensuring he enjoyed every opportunity on offer.

“He fought so much,” said Emma, 33. “He fought and battled on even when a lot of the doctors thought he wouldn't make it.

“Considering he never walked, talked or did anything, he was really happy. He attracted everybody's attention.”

Whenever Emma took Jack out, people would come up to him in shops or even in the street to talk to him and touch his face.

Emma continued: “You couldn't even get in the shop without someone coming up, wanting to speak to him. He was like a magnet.

“Considering he didn't walk or talk, he had a huge impact on people - and still is now.

"It's strange to think a little boy could be so loved by everybody.”

Jack loved fish and visiting aquariums. He also loved being out and about and adored going to see the Blackpool Illuminations.

Embracing every opportunity meant Jack got to visit amazing places and create wonderful memories.

In 2011 he visited Disneyland in America, thanks to the Make A Wish Foundation. He also enjoyed a trip to Lapland UK in Kent, and more recently visited the Winter Wonderland at Center Parcs near Penrith.

Reflecting on her son, Emma said: “He was just a cuddly boy.

“He loved sitting on your lap.”

Although he couldn't talk, Jack found ways to communicate with friends and family and invented his own codes.

"He used to cough to get your attention," she said.

“His eyes said it all. If he was happy he'd smile at you. If he didn't want to do it, he'd shut his eyes.

"He knew which buttons to press.”

Jack was also particularly close to his baby sister, Rosie, three.

The two were devoted to each other, and Emma recalled how he would always look to see where she'd gone, while Rosie in turn used to stroke his hair as they watched TV together.

Jack first started visiting Jigsaw when he was just a year old. He loved the sensory experiences at the hospice, particularly the lights.

Helen Farren, lead nurse for Jigsaw and children's complex care, said: “People have known him for a long time. He's just loved everywhere he went really.”

Emma said she wanted to thank all those who worked at Jigsaw as well as all the consultants, nurses and everyone else who looked after Jack.

His funeral is being held on Friday at 11.40am at Carlisle Crematorium.