An Elgin mum has raised thousands of pounds to help other bereaved parents as a way of paying tribute to her son.
Michelle Ravello’s “beautiful boy” Jayden died in his sleep in October 2016, after showing no obvious signs of being ill. He was just 10.
It later emerged the Seafield Primary School pupil had an undetected “one in a million” condition, and his death was attributed to an abdominal hernia and intestinal infarction which obstructed his blood supply.
Last month, Mrs Ravello joined forces with the Angels Wings baby and child loss support charity with the idea of raising £3,800 for a cooling “snuggle blanket” to ensure that Jayden’s name lives on.
The special mat allows bereaved families to spend more time with their children in the days following their death, as it preserves their bodies.
Mrs Ravello was astounded when she surpassed her fundraising target within a fortnight and her tally now stands at more than £8,000 – meaning she is able to buy another blankets to be kept at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Yesterday, the 31-year-old visited Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin to hand over a blanket which will be kept at the accident and emergency department but will be made available across Moray.
She was accompanied by her husband Kerry, Jayden’s little brother Tyrese and baby Lucas – who Mrs Ravello was seven weeks pregnant with when her oldest son died.
She said: “The blanket is something we had no idea about until recently, and we wanted to do something to help other families in honour of Jay.
“From our own experience we know how important spending that extra time with your child can be.
“Everything we have done is for him, it has been a whirlwind of emotions.
“Even after purchasing the blanket for Dundee we still have money left over that could also be put to good use.”
More than 250 people helped amass £2,818 at a “Remember Jayden” disco in Elgin recently.
Charities including Aberdeen’s Archie Foundation and Lossiemouth-based Logan’s Fund also pledged funds.
Mrs Ravello is eager for local funeral directors to contact the hospital and arrange for the blanket to be delivered to them in times of need.
Remembering Jayden Ravello
The impact Jayden Ravello left on people during his short life was evident when hundreds turned out to celebrate his memory by releasing balloons into the sky at Elgin’s Cooper Park.
His parents had arranged what they thought would be a modest memorial for his friends to say goodbye to him in the wake of his death.
But they were amazed when about 500 people descended on the park to pay their respects.
Jayden’s death was marked elsewhere when Moray Council illuminated the town’s Pansport Bridge blue and orange – his favourite colours.
Speaking afterwards, Mrs Ravello said she would make it her mission to make sure that Jayden was never forgotten.
The P6 pupil was was an eager reader who especially thrived in maths and art lessons at Seafield Primary School.
He was also a skilled kickboxer, who won numerous trophies and medals, and was due to be assessed for his black belt last April.
The outgoing youngster was idolised by his younger brother, Tyrese, who marked his sixth birthday just days after Jayden died.
Jayden’s family also described cherished memories of trips along the Moray coast, where he enjoyed scouring rockpools and exploring caves.
