The devastated parents of a Perthshire toddler who died suddenly have paid tribute to their “beautiful” son.
Little Gregor Sterry from Braco was just two when he passed away last year.
His parents, Linda and Mark, were joined by families from all over Perthshire to remember the “fun-loving” tot during an event in the village.
More than 400 people were guided by pictures of Gregor during a scenic walk that culminated in a mass balloon release.
Linda and Mark said they have been “overwhelmed” by the level of support shown following their son’s untimely death and have now raised more than £8000 for the Scottish Cot Death Trust.
They chose the charity due to the support they received in the difficult times following Gregor’s passing.
The latest event arose following a discussion Linda held with friends about how to make something positive emerge from such a tragedy.
It also offered the toddler’s family a way to “get through” the first anniversary of his death.
“He had an amazing zest for life, despite his tiny two years,” Linda said.Charming boy”Gregor was a total people person and was renowned for charming everyone he met. He was fun-loving, very stubborn, affectionate and energetic with a wicked sense of humour, stunning brown eyes and beautiful blond hair.”
Linda admitted the family had found it almost impossible to come to terms with Gregor’s death.
“Our family has been shocked and devastated by the tragic loss of Gregor,” she added. “This sort of thing happens to other people, except this time it didn’t, it happened to us. And it continues to happen to too many families.”
The charity walk took in a well-known route where, late last year, the family and friends planted daffodil bulbs. Participants in the walk were given sunflower seeds to take home and plant in memory of Gregor.
“It was so moving to see everything and everyone coming together for the walk,” one participant said.
“The pictures along the walk worked so well to remind us why we were walking and, of course, the balloon release was amazing.”
Another participant called the event, “truly inspiring.”
Although it was later found Gregor had not died from cot death, his family were grateful for the charity’s support and wanted to give something back.
See the Scottish Cot Death Trust site or www.justgiving.com/walk-for-gregor for details or to make a donation.