A HEARTBROKEN dad has spoken of the struggle following his son’s tragic death but has now launched a fundraiser to thank those who tried to save him.
Freddie Farrow, who was just five-years-old, died on August 2 from a head injury after being struck by a mirror in Fenwick, in High Street, Colchester on July 27.
After his untimely death the Colchester community rallied round to honour the Gosbecks Primary School pupil and to support his devastated family.
His dad, Andrew Farrow, 42, from Harwich, now wants to raise £500 for the paediatric intensive care unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital which cared for Freddie in his final days.
The First Essex bus driver has been growing his beard since late last year alongside colleagues Dave Biggs, Dave Johns, Steve Biscoe, Pete Lewis, and Alan Buchannan.
His workforce has also been taking part in a weekly football roulette to raise additional cash for the specialist facility.
Andrew said: “The last few months have been horrific and they have not been good at all, but on the day of the incident every emergency service worker came to his aid.
“They all went above and beyond their call of duty and they were absolutely phenomenal in helping Freddie and us as a family.
“I wanted to do this fundraiser for the ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital because they were outstanding and I just want to show our appreciation.
“I want to be able to go back there with a huge cheque and thank them for the effort and kindness they showed when we needed them.”
Andrew and his team of bearded men now plan to continue the charity grow until what would have been Freddie’s seventh birthday on August 14.
They will then shave off their bushy bristles in the canteen of the First Essex bus depot while streaming the whole event live social media.
“It all started unintentionally really, because given the circumstances having a shave became the last thing on my mind,” added Andrew.
“But then I thought I could do something a bit light-hearted and grow it for the whole year and then shave if off.
“We are just bus drivers and a group of lads who have come together to raise some money for this ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
“They are all very special people and without people like that we would be in a real mess, so I want to show the gratitude I have for them.”
To sponsor Andrew visit tinyurl.com/2p8bd2v2.
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