The devastated family of a North East dad who died after a trampoline accident has revealed he was due to become a proud father to a further child.

Rob Harcourt, 37, from Stockton, passed away in the arms of his loved ones just weeks after finding out the news his partner, Jade Higgins, 30, was pregnant.

The dad had attempted a backflip but misjudged it, landing on his neck, causing a "catastrophic" injury and paralysis.

Read more: Tributes to 'wonderful' Stockton dad who died weeks after trampoline accident

Rob was then treated in the Intensive Care Unit at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he underwent a second operation to stabilise his neck.

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO

However, according to his mum, Jackie Graves, he suffered a pulmonary embolism, causing a cardiac arrest, which lead to "massive" brain damage.

As a result, he had been transferred to a hospice to receive round-the-clock care but died with his family by his side this week.

Now, his heartbroken family has told The Northern Echo that Rob's girlfriend is currently 15 weeks into the pregnancy of their next child.

They are expected to find out its gender on September 8.

Mum Jackie, who described Rob and Jade as "soulmates," said Rob's legacy will live on. 

She said: "My boy was my only child. This baby is my little ray of hope. They (Jade and Rob) were soulmates."

The Northern Echo: The baby scan at 12 weeks Picture: NORTHERN ECHOThe baby scan at 12 weeks Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Last night, Jackie delivered the news nobody wanted to hear as she announced his death and paid tributes to her beloved son.

She said: "My clever, funny, kind and beautiful son Rob has passed away in mine and Jade's arms.

"Jimmy was with us too, holding his hand. Heartbroken doesn't touch how we are feeling right now."

She also revealed that before the second operation, Rob was still talking before suffering from the pulmonary embolism.

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO

She added: "Rob's last words were 'Love you Mam' as he went to theatre for the first operation to his neck. He couldn't speak after that."

Tributes have poured in across social media with hundreds of Rob's friends and family describing their devastation.

A GoFundMe page, which had been set up following the accident, has so far seen almost £10,000 raised by hundreds.

Amanda Jones, from Llangwyryfon, near Aberystwyth, whose husband Alan was a friend of Rob's, said he was a "popular guy" and a "great friend."

To view the GoFundMe click here

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