A FAMILY who were left “utterly heartbroken” after the sudden death of their one-year-old daughter are setting up a charity to help grieving families across Essex.

Isla Rose Sheraton-Toomey passed away unexpectedly at just 13 months old after her heart stopped in her cot.

Her mum, Natalie Sheraton, 33, and dad, Carl Toomey, 37, from Benfleet, were left in pieces as their whole world was turned upside down.

However, despite the unimaginable heartache, the husband and wife are in the process of setting up a charity – “For Isla” – to help bereaved families who have lost children suddenly and unexpectedly.

Carl said: “It has been very hard these last few months. After Isla’s celebration of life, we felt a great sense of loss or purpose and direction.

“We realised early on in our journey that when you sit down with people who have been through something similar, they ‘get it’ and it is a kind of therapy we have only experienced being with these people.

“So, our aim for the charity is to create communities for couples or families who have experienced sudden and unexpected death in children.

“We would love to create a community where people can come together, support each other, and talk openly about their children, keeping their memory alive. If we can help just one person, then it will be worth it.

“It is also important to us as a way of continuing Isla’s name and memory. For us this is her legacy and if she can help others going through this then what an amazing legacy to leave.”

The cause of Isla’s death has since been confirmed as an exceptionally rare heart condition called Histiocytoid Cardiomyapthy. There is reportedly only a couple of hundred known cases globally.

Following the passing of Isla, a JustGiving page was set up in her memory which has now raised more than £26,000.

The family have confirmed the money is to be used in three ways. One in setting up the “For Isla” charity as well as a donation to two charities, Sudden Unexpected Death in Children, and 4Louis.

Carl added: “We are beyond grateful to everyone that has donated. It has been more than 700 people, some we don’t even know but are touched by our story.

“We want to thank everyone who has helped us, supported us, and donated. And a thank you to the Echo for reaching out as the first article raised so much awareness, which really means a lot.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/islarose