A heartbroken Rawtenstall family, whose seven-week-old baby died suddenly, is raising money for any costs related to the funeral and to support the family

Baby Theodore Hunton died suddenly in the middle of the night on Saturday (19 February).

Family friend, Samantha Davies, set up a Go Fund Me page and is hoping to raise £3000 for the family.

She said: “Theodore’s mum, Shannon Bowcock, is the loveliest woman ever and all about her kids.

“She always wanted to give her other son, Reuben, a brother, so it’s a very hard time for her at the minute.”

Samantha, who lives near Burnley, says the money will go towards any costs relating to the funeral and to relieve the “pressure” and “burden” on Theodore’s family.

She said: “Bringing a child into the world seven weeks ago and then having to plan a funeral is enough to worry about, without the financial burden of the funeral.

“Nobody wants to plan their baby’s funeral and spend money in that way.

“I thought the Go Fund Me would take some weight and pressure off the family”.

Initially, Samantha hoped to raise £2000 for the family – but this target was beaten in less than 24 hours.

She has now changed the target to £3000 and is urging people to keep donating and raising money.

“She’s such a popular and lovely girl so the community just want to keep helping her,” Samantha said.

If the Go Fund Me keeps gaining popularity, Samantha said the family can use the remaining money for a small break and the “get away from reality for a while”.

She said: “Any help is much appreciated and to those who have already donated, we can’t thank you enough.

“Some people have donated huge amounts and I want them to know that it is going towards a really good cause and that the family are so appreciative of it.”

To donate to the Go Fund Me, visit the website at: https://gofund.me/ca56b5c5