A Carnoustie family has told of its heartbreak after the sudden death of an 18-month-old toddler in an ambulance.
Aryan Niazi was born severely disabled, missing his left arm, a kidney and other problems with his right arm and both of his feet.
Although his brain was fully functional he was prone to suffering from regular bouts of cold and flu.
He was suffering from an infection on Wednesday when it was decided a doctor should visit him at home.
With his mum, Zainab Niazi, 32, very ill with the infection at home and her husband Tahir, 34, at the family’s newsagents McLagans till 1pm, it was agreed they would drive in a car to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for tests and treatment.
However, Aryan’s condition began to deteriorate quickly and after beginning to vomit, an ambulance was called.
It rushed to Ninewells but it stopped in a lay-by on Arbroath Road when it became apparent Aryan was not going to make it.
Tahir who also has two daughters, Eshal, four, and Mysha, three said: “On the day he died I came home at 1pm and Aryan wasn’t there so I packed my bag in preparation for staying at Ninewells overnight.
“I actually passed the ambulance on the way in and I did find it strange that it was pulled over in a lay-by with police around it.
“But I didn’t realise it was Aryan’s ambulance.”
Aryan was laid to rest on Friday and despite the family’s grief, Tahir says he is happy that his son is now at peace.
He said: “From birth Aryan had a lot of disabilities but his brain was very active.
“He only had one kidney and he often had urinary infections but we never thought he was going to die, even though he was weak.
“He will be peaceful now and he’s in a better place.”
Tahir said he wanted to thank all the doctors, nurses and locals who visit his shop for their kind words.
He said: “Everyone has been very supportive.
“The doctors, in particular, were absolutely amazing. They did everything they could to make his life better.
“We still can’t believe he’s not here.”