Poppy Bilderbeck
The family of a boy placed on life support after choking on a sausage at school have released an update on his condition.
On Wednesday 19 July, Katie Hayward dropped off seven-year-old Decklan at school in Orange, New South Wales, 'like any normal day'.
Hours later, she received a 'horrifying phone call' to say Decklan had choked on a cocktail sausage while playing with his friends and so the mum immediately rushed to the school.
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Decklann was 'laughing and playing with his friends' during a 'Crunch and Sip' nutritional programme session when the incident occurred, according to Katie's sister Kaylah Hayward, via a GoFundMe page.
"Despite the best efforts from the teachers and medical teams Decklan went in to cardic arrest and was without oxygen to his brain for near 20 minutes," the post continues.
Katie and her son were immediately flown to Sydney Westmead Children's Hospital.
Sadly, as a result of going without oxygen for 'near 20 minutes' Decklan suffered 'extensive brain damage' and so was placed on life support.
On the GoFundMe page Kaylah created for her sister, she updated: "Katie & Robbie have had to make a decision that no parent should ever have to and that is to let our boy grow his wings and go with the angels some time next week.
"Anyone that ever met Decky nos he was the most bubbly happy funny kid and he will always have a special place in so many of our hearts."
The GoFundMe page is raising money to 'take the financial stress away' from Decklan's family and to give the seven-year-old 'the send off he deserves'.
Kaylah's post resolves: "Anything at all big or small [...] would be very much appreciated."
The GoFundMe, titled 'Decko Gecko,' has - at the time of writing - received over 400 donations and raised over AU $18,000 of its AU $20,000 goal.
Glenroi Heights Public School also posted an update to Facebook for parents and carers about Decklan's condition.
The letter reads: "Dear Glenroi Heights Parents and Carers,
"I would like to pass on a message from Decklan Hayward's family.
"They would like you to know that Decklan is still with us and continues on life-support. The family is considering turning off the life-support some time next week. Our thoughts are with Decklan's family at this time.
"Thank you to our school community for your continued care and support for Decklan and his family."
You can donate to Decklan's GoFundMe here.