THE heartbroken mother of a Taunton toddler who tragically died earlier this year has thanked those who have helped give other grieving families the gift of time.

Freddie Gibbons unexpectedly died on March 7 this year after he stopped breathing during the night.

Doctors tried to revive the two-and-a-half-year-old but it was too late and it wasn’t until 14 weeks later that Freddie’s family found out he had developed viral and bacterial infections, which caused acute exacerbation of his asthma.

Since his death, his family has been tirelessly fundraising in order to buy a mini cooling system for Musgrove Park Hospital which cools a deceased person, giving grieving families longer to spend with their loved ones.

They have now reached their £5,000 target thanks to the generosity of family, friends and strangers who have been touched by their story.

Freddie’s mum Hannah said: “Freddie was just twoand-a-half years old. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken and he has left such a massive hole in all our hearts.

“In our little Freddie’s memory we want to help other families when they lose someone they love so much, so I have set up a nonprofit organisation where we plan fundraising events and sponsored challenges to raise funds for vital specialist hospital equipment, a mini cooling system.

“In the horrific hours following Freddie’s death, we wish we could have spent more precious time with our son, which is why, in Freddie’s name and with the help and support of lots of kind people, we have so far raised £5000 to buy a Cool Mat for Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.”

Hannah wants all hospitals to have the equipment and is now raising funds for Bristol Children’s Hospital.

n To find out more about Freddie’s Gift, visit fac e b o o k. c om/freddiesgift-848590998561441.