GRIEVING parents are still waiting to learn the cause of their premature baby's death, four weeks after he lost his fragile hold on life.

Helen Kinder and Jonathan Greenup lost their son, Joel, a month ago today.

Born 14 weeks early, he survived for only 27 days and nine hours.

The couple buried his tiny body on March 31, at Edward The Confessor Church, in York's Tadcaster Road.

But they are still in limbo, waiting for the outcome of a post-mortem examination to discover the reason for his death.

Joel, who had four sisters - Amber, Chloe, Olivia and Jade - died on March 19 at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester, where Helen had been rushed to give birth prematurely.

Helen said today the wait for post-mortem examination results was taking its toll.

"It is making it more difficult. I am all over the place. There shouldn't be a delay. I can't understand any of this."

A St Mary's Hospital spokesman said results were always discussed in person with parents, and a letter had been sent, informing the couple of an appointment with the consultant who looked after Joel.

It was fixed for Wednesday of last week, but she said the couple did not turn up. Another letter had been sent.

But Helen said she had not received any details and was "very disappointed" to have missed the meeting.

"I phoned two weeks ago and asked for the results. They said they couldn't disclose the information over the phone. I haven't heard anything since.

"I don't want to go back there because of the memories. I went there for one reason only - Joel. I don't have that any more. But I would go for the results."

Helen, 26, of Raynard Court, York, said she still intended to call for an inquest to find out exactly what happened during Joel's final hours.

His death certificate states he died of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) - a grave illness affecting tissues in the intestine. But Helen has questioned his rapid deterioration.

The hospital said Joel had been "a very sick premature baby who sadly died suddenly due to complications relating to his prematurity".

The spokesman said: "There's a balance for us to reach. We can't force ourselves on people in a bereaved state to check they've received a letter or ask why they didn't turn up."

In response to Helen's calls for an inquest, she said: "The post mortem results may answer all her questions."

The Evening Press has put Helen in touch with the York Special Care Baby Unit Support Group, which gives practical and emotional help to parents.

Under data protection laws, the charity has to wait to be contacted before it can give support.

People can phone the group's vice-chairman, Ellen Willey, on 01904 624494.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, April 19, 2005