A six-year-old boy is fighting for his life in an intensive care ward after an “horrific accident” playing with a “really dangerous” toy bought from a major Gold Coast theme park, a family member says.
Deklan Labington-MacDonald was seriously injured on Anzac Day at his Nerang home following the mishap with a toy purchased within the previous week.
Family members performed CPR on little Deklan, an only child, before paramedics arrived, according to cousin Lea Williams who has organised a fundraiser page organised to assist the family.
He is in the intensive care unit at Queensland Children’s Hospital where he remains on life support, Ms Williams told NCA NewsWire.
“The doctors aren’t hopeful of his survival at this point – the family is hoping for a miracle,” Ms Williams said.
“It is a shocking accident that should never have happened.
“We are just reeling and we are struggling to come to how it occurred.
“It was a toy that was bought four days earlier … it ended up being really dangerous and we are really angry but haven’t got our heads around it and can’t focus on it.”
She said family was coming from interstate to show their support.
“He is the baby of the family and just so loved,” she said.
Ms Williams says the family want police to investigate.
Police have been contacted for comment.
Deklan’s aunty Caity MacDonald said the incident had devastated her sister Lauren.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share this news but on Sunday my nephew Deklan was involved in a horrific accident that has left my sister (his mum) and my family absolutely devastated,” Caity wrote on Facebook.
“Any donations to help Lauren be able to focus on bub and not about the cost of life would be much appreciated.
“Please do not message Lauren Babington at this time as you can imagine she does not want to speak to anyone but family.”
The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that Declan’s heart had stopped for half an hour.
So far, more than $ 3400 has been raised, with organiser Lea writing that donations will allow his mother to maintain a bedside vigil in the hope Deklan pulls through.
“Deklan’s mum Lauren and the family are dedicated to their little man and want to be by his side during his care,” she wrote.
“The donations made to this cause will go towards transport and accommodation costs, any costs that are incurred by the family taking time off work, and any support to aid in Deklan’s recovery.
“Any contribution will help at this difficult time and enable Lauren and her family to focus their energy on Deklan and his recovery.
“We appreciate all the love and support from everyone.
“This fundraising effort is being prepared by Deklan‘s Aunty Caity and Aunty Britty.”
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