The family of a seven-year-old boy who choked on a cocktail sausage while at school is now fundraising to help cover the cost of his funeral and give him the 'send-off he deserves'.
Decklan Hayward's mum, Katie Hayward, had no idea about what kind of horrific events would unfold when she dropped off her young son at his school in Orange, New South Wales on 19 July.
It was just like 'any normal day', during which Decklan had been 'laughing and playing' with his friends. Things took a tragic turn, however, when Decklan began choking on his snack of a cocktail sausage.
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Staff at the school tried their best to help and medics were called to the scene, but Decklan went into cardiac arrest, and his brain was starved of oxygen for nearly 20 minutes.
He and his mum were flown to Westmead Children's Hospital in Sydney, where it was determined Decklan had suffered 'extensive brain damage'.
The seven-year-old was put on life support, but after eight days his parents made the decision that 'no parent should ever have to' - to turn off the machine.
His life support will be turned off this week, but in the meantime his family are hoping to raise money to put towards Decklan's funeral.
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"Anyone that ever met Decky [knows] he was the most bubbly happy funny kid & he will always have a special place in so many of our hearts," the GoFundMe page, set up by Decklan's aunt, reads.
"Anything at all big or small to help take the financial stress away from his parents Katie, Robert... [and] give our boy the send off he deserves would be very much appreciated," it continues.
The GoFundMe page had a goal of AU $20,000 (£10,300), but has already surpassed the goal to reach almost AU $21,500 (£11,000).
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Donors include both strangers and people who knew Decklan, with one comment reading: "The kids will miss you beautiful boy. May you grow your wings and fly high."
"Gunna miss ya, me little mate," added another.
Many other donors have sent their prayers and best wishes for the family amid their final days with Decklan.
Glenroi Heights Public School principal Tegan Davis addressed parents in a letter online in which she said staff 'immediately provided aid' to Decklan.
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"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," she added.
If you'd like to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so here.
Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe / Google MapsTopics: Australia, Parenting, Health, Life