Mum and dad raise £10,000 for sick kids after death of 'special' son

A mother and father have raised £10,000 for sick children following the death of their “special and beautiful little boy” in Glasgow.

Caroline Winn and Neil Plenderleith, originally from Glenrothes, became concerned on March 20 after their GP recommended they take 14-month-old Sonny to A&E due to a possible viral infection.

The pair, both aged 44, were told that their son may have a respiratory tract infection. However, when back at home, the pair noticed that Sonny had developed a rash.

The tot was taken into the paediatric intensive care unit at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital where he was treated for pneumococcal disease, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Two days after his admission, on March 22, Sonny died after the infection had spread to his brain.

Sonny was described as a “special and beautiful little boy”. Caroline Winn via Supplied

Caroline told STV News that Sonny was a “special and beautiful boy”.

She said: “Our wee baby boy, Sonny, received such incredible care from the doctors and nurses during his stay in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) where he was treated for pneumococcal disease caused Streptococcus pneumoniae.

“The infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

“In it’s severe forms it can cause sepsis.

“Sonny was just such a happy boy – always smiling and making friends. We want to do everything we can to help others through our tragedy and for people to never forget what a special and beautiful boy he was.”

Caroline and Neil launched a fundraiser in Sonny’s memory after his nursery, Hyde N Seek, raised money in his name.

All of the funds donated will be given to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital.

Caroline added: “We want to raise as much money as possible in aid of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and every donation will help. All funds will go to the PICU.

“Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our family.

“We desperately want something positive to come from Sonny’s death and any donation large or small will make a difference.

“We can’t believe how generous people have been so far. We are just completely blown away.”

You can find the fundraiser here.