The family of a child left brain damaged after nearly drowning in his bath have praised the Chessington community for rallying round to help pay for his treatment.

Freddy Jones, four, was in hospital for more than two months after the accident at his home in Reynolds Avenue on Thursday, April 2.

He is believed to have had a seizure while his mother was getting his pyjamas from another room, and was discovered floating face down in the water by his sister Lucy, nine.

Parents Matthew Jones and Stacey Sachs, both 25, were distraught to learn that he had been left with brain damage, taking a backwards step with his speech and movement.

He has been granted funding for three months of residential treatment at the Tadworth Children’s Trust Hospital, but the family wants to pay for extra speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions in the meantime.

They held a fundraising garden party at Matthew’s parents house in Hook Road on Sunday, June 28, attended by about 100 people, which raised £1,000.

Local shops donated raffle prizes and the family held a cake sale, face painting stand and a wet sponge throwing game.

His grandmother Nina Chipping said Freddy was overwhelmed by his big day and needed a nap half way through, but enjoyed playing with the other children.

She said: “It was absolutely wonderful and everyone seems to have taken Freddy to their hearts. It’s gone a lot further than we thought.

“The accident has changed all of our lives. Not just for mum and dad and Freddy but everyone that knows him. We’re just happy that he’s alive because when it first happened they said he wouldn’t survive the night.

“Matthew was totally devastated for the first few weeks. He was in a daze, on autopilot. He went to the hospital, did what was asked of him and just came home in the evening and cried.”

She said signs of Freddy’s mischievous personality are creeping through and he is beginning to say odd words and “toddle about” again.

He was due to start at St Mary’s Primary School, Chessington, in September, but will instead begin his education at a special school.

The family is holding a fundraising disco and buffet on July 25 at The Harrier Centre, Ewell. To buy tickets email freddysfund@live.co.uk or call 020 8397 7684.

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