Lucas Wockner, who died at his childcare centre in Toowoomba. Photo / GoFundMe
Lucas Wockner, who died at his childcare centre in Toowoomba. Photo / GoFundMe
A heartbroken mother, who lost her baby boy when he failed to wake up from his nap at a Toowoomba daycare centre, has raised thousands for the paramedics who kept him alive long enough for them to say goodbye.
Less than a week ago, nine-month-old Lucas Wockner was found unresponsive in his cot by daycare workers.
Paramedics rushed to the Queensland centre and managed to resuscitate him, before he was flown to Brisbane's Lady Cilento Hospital.
Lucas tragically died at the hospital the next day, surrounded by his parents and his older sister.
A mere two days after Lucas' death, his mum Kathy decided to do something few people would be able to do — channelling her heartbreak into a GoFundMe campaign for the emergency service workers who kept him alive.
Despite only being up for two days, the GoFundMe page is already trending on the website and has since raised more than A$8000 of its A$15,000 goal.
The GoFundMe page has raised thousands. Photo / Facebook
On her GoFundMe page, Kathy said she started the fundraiser to thank emergency services and hospital staff for their efforts in trying to save her "beautiful brave boy".
"On Friday the 25th of May we said our final goodbyes to our beautiful brave boy Lucas Elliot who has now joined the angels," she wrote.
"We still do not understand why he didn't wake from his sleep on Thursday morning but we are so thankful for the team who resuscitated him so that we could have our time to say goodbye. He was flown to Lady Cilento and the team there were amazing but there was nothing more that they could do for our brave little boy. He passed surrounded by all the family, for which we are very thankful.
"We wish to support Queensland Ambulance Service, Toowoomba Base Hospital, Life Flight, Lady Cilento ICU and Ronald McDonald House. Any contribution you can make to assist us in giving back to the amazing organisations who made it possible for us to spend some precious time with our special baby boy would be greatly appreciated," she added.
More than 120 people have donated thousands to those who helped.
Wockner regularly shared donation appeals and GoFundMe pages to her own Facebook before Lucas' tragic death.
Lucas tragically died in hospital. Photo / Facebook
In March, a little over two months before Lucas passed away, Wockner shared a campaign raising money for Queensland baby Matilda Mahon.
Matilda, who is nicknamed Tilly, was also treated at Lady Cilento Hospital for a life-threatening illness.
When sharing the fundraising page, Wockner wrote, "I can only imagine how devastating this would be to a young family".
In a Facebook post after Lucas' death, Wockner said she was inspired to start her own GoFundMe page after realising how many people wanted to help and support them.
"It has been abundantly clear many people wish to give us help and support in any way they can, this we are so grateful for.
"We would appreciate in replacement for any flowers or bereavement gifts, a donation and thoughts shared on our "go fund me page" supporting our chosen charities. In this time our family really need one another and the love and support from friends and family around us. As we face each day at a time," she wrote.
