A 'bright and bubbly' little girl has died in a tragic accident after she choked while eating her favourite snack in her mum's car. Imogen Lennon was only five when she began to struggle in the back seat of her mum's car after being given a deli frankfurt to eat on January 16, the Mirror reports.
The youngster was on her way home to Canowindra in Central West New South Wales, Australia, from a swimming lesson and was 'chatting away to her mum' when she began to choke. Her mother Samantha rang an ambulance but they were too far away so she drove to the hospital herself with the help of a passer by.
Despite their best efforts, Imogen sadly died in hospital leaving Samantha and her husband Bill absolutely 'shattered' by their devastating loss. Floods of tribute have been paid to the 'beautiful' little girl as close family friends have set up a fundraiser to support the heartbroken family.
In a GoFundMe page, family friend Tamara Harrison described little Imogen as 'bright, determined, loving and sassy' as she stated that her death was a 'tragic loss'.
Tamara explained: "Imogen's Mum Sam picked Imogen up from swimming lessons on the afternoon of the 16th. On the drive home, Imogen was happily eating a deli Frankfurt - a favourite after swimming - and chatting away to her mum from the back seat, when she suddenly started choking.
"Despite Sam's heroic efforts, ringing an ambulance, the help of a passerby and eventually driving Imogen to the hospital herself - the ambulance was too far away to make it in time - Beautiful Imogen passed away later at the hospital.
"To make sense of such a tragic loss in such a way is inconceivable, there are no words that could accurately describe how shattered Imogen's family are. It is Impossible to Imagine life without Imogen."
Tamara is hoping to remove the 'burden' of the parents having to pay for Imogen's funeral and other generous Australians have come together to show their support for the family with their kind donations.
Tamara said: "Anyone that knows this couple knows that they are true Aussie battlers, always helping others. They would give the shirts off their backs, without a second thought should someone be in need."
Imogen leaves behind her mum and dad along with two elder brothers Hayden and Bailey and her sister Tamzin as well as a big extended family. Friends have also paid their respects to the 'bright and bubbly' five-year-old.
One wrote: "A brief meeting of you, little Imogen... you have left your footprint on my heart. Another commented: "We are so sorry, Samantha and Bill. We only met Immy once but she was so bright, bubbly and beautiful we'll remember her always that way."
So far, the fundraiser has reached $22,897 (£13,019) to help with funeral costs with an end goal of $25,000 (£14,215). The highest donation from one kind hearted donor has come in at $1,000 (£568).
Imogen's funeral is set for Saturday the 28th of January and mourners have been asked to wear brightly coloured clothing.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
