The tragic death of an Aviemore toddler has led to a major effort to ease the pain of other families in a similar situation.
Little James Anderson is understood to have died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Sids) last October when he was just 16 months old.
Family members sought to remember James with the Angel Wings charity which works to support families who suffer the loss of a child.
Together they have raised thousands of pounds in an effort that has gone nationwide.
Yesterday both his grandmothers attended the formal handover at an Aviemore funeral home for a device called snuggle blanket.
The cooling blankets, which cost £3,800 each, allow grieving families to spend a little bit more time with their child after a tragedy to say a “proper goodbye.”
It will be kept at Jamie Rodgers Funeral Directors, which already has a cuddle cot that was delivered last year in memory of Rachel Gail Arris and Baby Craig.
Both Grandmothers have been working to raise money in memory of little James through a variety of events and projects.
Kirsty Macleod, his paternal gran, raised £2,000 at the Glen Hotel in Newtonmore through a charity quiz night.
She also sells keyrings at Newtonmore shinty matches where James’ father Craig is also a player – with the club proving to be hugely supportive throughout.
Baby James’ maternal grandmother, Liz McRae, said raising money in little James’ name has helped the grieving process.
She said: “It has given us something to focus on, people are remembering James. We want to remember the good things, to celebrate the 16 months he was with us.”
Ms McRae said: “James was too big for a Cuddle Cot and when we spoke to Angel Wings they had to research Snuggle Blankets.
“Now they are doing fundraising all across the country for them, so in a way it has ‘gone national’.”
Angel Wings founder Michaela Street said: “We are happy we can do this but it is a sad thing.”
She added: “It will offer comfort for grieving families. The blanket can be used on a bed so it can be used at home in a more pleasant environment.”
After Mrs Street met one of the Manchester Arena families, Angel Wings donated a blanket to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
She said: “When I was in Aviemore fundraising I met one of the Manchester families – they had lost their daughter and their son was injured.
“It was donated in the memory of all the children, all the people, who lost their lives and the money was all raised locally.”
Despite having raised tens of thousands of pounds to provide 14 snuggle blankets or cuddle cots both Ms McRae and Mrs Street have vowed to continue.
Ms McCrae said: “That he is being remembered is a comfort and we’ll keep fundraising and keep James’ memory alive.”
