A HEARTBROKEN mother and father whose son died suddenly and unexpectedly in March are trying to give other families the gift of time to properly say goodbye to their loved ones.

Little Freddie Gibbons from Galmington in Taunton was exactly two-and-a-half-years-old when he passed away.

It wasn’t until a long, painful 14 weeks later that his family discovered the cause of his death – he had developed a viral and super added bacterial infection throughout the night which caused an acute infective exacerbation of his asthma.

And now his mum and dad Hannah and Damon Gibbons are trying to bring something positive out of their son’s death.

Hannah said: “On March 7, our lives changed forever, we tragically and suddenly lost our beautiful, precious son Freddie Jack Harry Gibbons.

“The Pathologist told us that Freddie would have passed peacefully in his sleep.

“Losing our third beloved son so suddenly has left our whole family and friends completely shocked, devastated and absolutely heartbroken.

“Our happy, cheeky, gorgeous, clever little boy has left a massive hole in all of our hearts, including his two big brothers, Alfie, eight and Charlie, five who adored and doted on their little brother.”

Freddie died at home asleep on Damon's chest, paramedics tried to save him but he had already gone.

Hannah said the staff at Musgrove Park Hospital couldn’t have been more supportive and that they were treated with such compassionate care but that they would have liked to have more time with their son in the hours after his death.

“Sadly, we didn't get that chance which is why, in Freddie's memory and because of his age, our aim is to raise money to buy a vital piece of equipment for the Mortuary at Musgrove Park Hospital," she added.

“This equipment is called a Cover Cool Mini Cooling System.

“It is a single pad which can cool a deceased infant, child or adult.

“This will allow grieving relatives to say a proper unhurried goodbye to their loved ones.”

Already, £2,500 has been raised for the equipment but Hannah wants to continue raising money so that all hospitals are able to have the equipment.

If you would like to sponsor and find out more, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/FG2 Sallyann King, maternity matron at Musgrove Park Hospital said: "The loss of a baby is a very sensitive and difficult time for any family and we are humbled that Hannah and Damon are raising this money in memory of their son Freddie.

"We are extremely grateful for the gift of the cold blanket and know that having this will make a big difference to the lives of other families who will need to use this service.”

A Fun Run, Scoot or Ride is taking place tomorrow, (Friday) at Longrun Meadow in Taunton at 10am.

Hannah and Damon are inviting all children to go along and get sponsored to run, scoot or ride 2.5miles around the Meadow to help raise money and will be meeting at The Barn at 10am.

Hannah added: "Our tears will never stop falling but we have to carry on for our two other beautiful boys.

"We would one day like to turn Freddie's Gift Organisation into a charity so we can keep on raising funds and give other people the gift of time."

"We all love and miss you Freddie."