South Shields parents left heartbroken by sudden death of baby - well-wishers step in to raise hundreds to help cover funeral costs

Hunter sadly passed away in his sleep at just three-and-a-half-months old

Hunter Drummond, from South Shields died on Sunday, May 30, at just three-and-a-half-months old from an unknown cause.

The death has left Hunter’s mum Hayley Arkle, 26 and dad Reegan Drummond, 19, completely devastated and looking for support.

A seemingly healthy baby, the young couple are shocked and heartbroken as they prepare to give their son a special send off.

Mum Hayley Arkle, 21, with baby Hunter Drummond

To help the family during this difficult time and help cover funeral costs, family friend Kirstie Smiler has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money towards Hunter's funeral.

Some £1,400 has already been raised, and Kirstie is hopeful more people will dig deep to help.

She said: “It’s really tragic what’s happened. Hunter gained his angel wings and the family have asked me for help to give him the best send off.

"I set up a Go Fund Me page which has already raised over £1,000 and have been doing raffles on a community page I set up during lockdown called ‘In It To Win It’.”

“Since starting the Go Fund Me page the reaction from local people and businesses has been amazing. The support we’ve had has been fantastic.”

As well as starting a Go Fund Me Paige, Kirstie is also raising money via raffles on the In It To Win It Facebook group, which raises money for various causes around South Tyneside.

Hunter's funeral will be taking place on Wednesday June 16 at Harton Cemetery in South Shields and the family has asked that all men attending wear baby blue ties and all women wear some form of baby blue such as a ribbon.

So far, Kirstie has been able to raise over £1,300 for Hunter and the family, with the aim of reaching £3,000 to give him the send off he deserves.

This Saturday, June 12, Hunter’s family and friends will be releasing white and blue balloons into the air, from Marsden Grotto, in South Shields.

To contribute to the fundraiser for Hunter set up by Kirstie Smiler, visit a Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hunters-fundraiser

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