Dundee parents are mourning the loss of their six-month-old son from a rare heart condition.
Before Peyton Fairfield was born in August last year, a scan showed that he would have hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which meant he needed open-heart surgery just days after his birth.
He would also have needed a heart transplant at some point in his life.
Despite several operations and months in hospital, parents Zoe, 27, and David, 30, were told that there was nothing more doctors could do to save their baby.
Peyton’s lungs had become “unrecoverable”, and Zoe and David, who have four other children, decided to “let him go with some dignity” on Monday evening.
David said: “We had all our family coming down to say bye. Thank you to everyone for all your support, it means more than we can say. Peyton you’re my hero and always will be.”
Zoe and David also thanked everyone who had supported the family throughout Peyton’s life.
Over 3000 people followed his progress on the family’s Baby Fairfields Journey Facebook page, and there has been a flood of messages of sympathy since the sad news of his death emerged.
Zoe and David posted: “Peyton passed away peacefully at 6.52pm. He was with both of us and I was holding him. It’s OK my wee warrior, you have gained your angel wings now.
“No more pain for you. I wish there were stronger words than love and being proud because neither give him enough justice. RIP Peyton my wee hero, love you so much.”
The couple have also spoken of how the support of so many people has given them some comfort amid their sorrow.
They said: “Life can be so cruel at time but can also be so rewarding. After seeing the overwhelming support we have received we have realised how much Peyton has touched the life’s of not just our family. But 100’s and 1000’s of people. He is a true inspiration to us all.”
In December, Peyton became one of Children In Need’s youngest ever fundraisers while still in hospital.
The tiny tot, dressed in a Pudsey Bear costume, collected £50 by his bedside for the charity.