A newborn "miracle" baby who needed a new heart has passed away.

Carter John Cookson was born prematurely to parents Sarah and Chris in North East England on St Stephen's Day. The infant was in desperate need of a heart transplant and suffered three heart attacks during the three short weeks following his birth. Carter's parents had launched a social media appeal in a bid to find their son a donor. Last night, they confirmed that Carter had "gained his angel wings and flew into his big brother's arms." The Cooksons lost their first son, Charlie, to an undiagnosed bone and muscle condition when he was just two years old. Writing on Facebook yesterday evening, they said that they "feel so empty and our hearts will never recover." "RIP Carter John Cookson," they wrote. "Today he could not fight anymore. At 5.44pm our brave baby boy Carter John Cookson gained his angel wings and flew into his big brother's arms." "We are heart broken. Our two boys are in heaven without their Mammy and Daddy we feel so empty and our hearts will never recover. Following their son's passing, Sarah and Chris thanked everybody who had helped them "try and find Carter's gift." "Your beautiful face and name have been spoken around the world," they said. "RIP beautiful boy." Carter's story touched people all over the UK and Ireland as they remained hopeful that the newborn would receive a heart in time. The boy's parents were informed on Friday that time was running out. England is set to introduce an opt-out organ donor system next year. Images via Facebook.