For many families subjected to the horror of losing a child, having a place to grieve and something which keeps the memory of their loved one alive can provide much comfort.

Now a fundraising effort has been launched to pay for a bench in Johnstone town centre in memory of Aiden Donnelly.

The family aim to raise £1,000, with around a third of this already collected.

Mum Mary said: “We would like the bench to go in Ludovic Square, in Johnstone, because I walk by there with the kids every day when we go to school and it will be a good thing for them to see every day.

“I’ve not really thought about what tribute I would want on the bench yet, there’s just so much I’d want to say.

“I want to thank everyone for all of their help and their donations so far.”

Mary revealed the shock of losing Aiden so soon after he had come into the world was something each of his siblings took in a different way.

Aiden’s twin brother Kieran is the youngest of the children, with 19-year-old Aaron being the oldest, as well as being Aiden and Kieran’s godfather.

They say twins have a particularly special bond – and Mary insists that, despite being so young, Kieran is noticeably missing Aiden.

She said: “Kieran is lost without him. He’ll see Aiden’s walker and just stare at it and try to touch it.

“The younger ones don’t really know any different, they just ask me why Aiden didn’t wake up and they think he’s an angel now.

“The older ones have taken it very hard. They’ve been keeping themselves to themselves and have been locking themselves in their room sometimes just to cry.

“My oldest son Aaron is studying at West College Scotland at the moment and I’m just thankful he’s got a good group of friends around him. I think they’ve kept him going.”

To donate to the bench fund, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/in-memory-of-baby-aiden.