AN APPEAL to help give other families the gift of time after the tragic death of a toddler from Taunton has nearly reached its target.

Last week the County Gazette reported how grieving parents Hannah and Damon Gibbons had set up an appeal for piece of equipment for Musgrove Park Hospital.

It comes just months after their beautiful son Freddie unexpectedly died at just two-and-a-half-years-old.

He developed a viral and super added bacterial infection through the night which caused an acute infective exacerbation of his asthma.

Freddie died peacefully at home asleep on Damon’s chest.

Paramedics tried to save Freddie but it was too late.

His family are trying to raise £5,000 to buy a Cover Cool Mini Cooling System which can cool a deceased infant, child or adult.

It will allow grieving residents to say a proper and unhurried goodbye, something which Hannah says she wishes she could have had.

They had already raised £2,500 but thanks to the appeal and donations from generous readers, they have now managed to raise over £4,100.

Many families also donated after taking part in a fun run, scoot or ride which Hannah organised at Longrun Meadow last Friday.

Hannah said: “We would like to thank all grandparents, parents and childminders and all the lovely children that took part.

“Lots of families turned up to support our first event, even though it was raining heavily.

“The children had lots of fun jumping in the puddles.

“We have raised around £1000 just from this event and we are completely overwhelmed and so grateful to everyone for all their kindness and support.

“We are nearly there to be able to give other grieving families The Gift of Time.

“Any money raised over £5000 will be going towards another Cool Mat for another hospital that doesn’t have one.

“We’d also like to thank a friend of ours, Andy Lock, who is collecting sponsors for us this week after doing a half-marathon with 50lbs of weight on his back on the Isle of White.

“We are so humbled and absolutely overwhelmed by his selfless act of kindness, it was a massive challenge, he has a heart of gold.”

Hannah hopes to set up a charity in her son’s memory and continue to raise money so that all hospitals have the equipment and all relatives get the chance to say a proper goodbye.

She is calling it Freddie’s Gift.

If you would like to make a donation and find out more, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/FG2 Hannah added: “We have so many lovely heartfelt messages of support from family, friends and complete strangers and for that we will be forever grateful.

“I will never get over losing my precious son but will continue to try and help others when they lose someone they love so much.”