The parents of a terminally ill Fraserburgh youngster say they can only “hope and pray” that he is able to mark his fifth birthday.
Jayden Easdale was diagnosed with Tay Sachs Disease, a rare and incurable illness, when he was only 18 months old.
His parents were warned Jayden may not live to see his fourth birthday, but he celebrated that occasion earlier this year.
However, his loved ones say they are acutely aware that every moment is “precious” as they have limited time left with the “wee fighter”.
They are now fronting an urgent fundraising appeal launched by the Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) charity, calling on Scots to help ensure such families can make the most of their time together.
The national children’s hospice charity has had to “drastically transform” the way it supports its 450 families throughout the pandemic, as many of them had to shield to protect vulnerable children from Covid-19.
And with dozens of events and fundraisers cancelled, it now needs assistance from well-wishers more than ever.
Jayden’s mum, Lynn Easdale, explained how the group had supported her through its Chas at Home service, the Rachel House hospice in Kinross and with new virtual sessions.
She said: “The doctors said Jayden might only live until he was four but he’s a wee fighter and this March he marked his fourth birthday.
“We hope and pray he will make his fifth birthday too, but we also have to face the fact that he might not.
“It’s so hard to think about Jayden no longer being with us, which is why every single moment we have with him is so precious.
“It’s also why I will keep fighting for a cure and for further awareness about his condition, as so little is known about it at the moment.
“Every day is a blessing though, as we know that one day his little body will shut down.
“Jayden is such a brilliant little boy – he will always be our super-hero and we’re determined as a family to make every moment left together count.”
Chas families are offered clinical guidance by phone or video as well as financial advice and bereavement support.
Mrs Easdale said the virtual hospice has been has been “nothing short of amazing” while the family have been shielding.
She said: “Before the pandemic, Jayden went to Rachel House for regular stays which he absolutely loved.
“It feels like a holiday each time we go. Jayden is spoiled rotten by all the staff – everyone is so friendly.”
Director of fundraising and communications at Chas, Iain McAndrew, added: “Coronavirus has taken time away from being able to spend it with those we love the most but the vulnerable children that we support have even less time, and every single moment is precious.”
Donations can be made on the Chas website.
