Eight-year-old boy suddenly dies after breaking his arm at school - The Mirror

Matthew Breen, from Rathnew in Co Wicklow, died on Monday with his family at his bedside after breaking his arm at school, as his condition suddenly deteriorated

A fundraiser has been set up to help the family of an eight-year-old boy who tragically died after breaking his arm at school.

Matthew Breen, from Rathnew, Republic of Ireland, died whilst under the care of Crumlin Children's Hospital, Dublin, on Monday, November 17. Matthew was taken by ambulance to hospital on Thursday, November 6, after breaking his arm in two places whilst at school.

His family said Matthew "was completely fine that day" and the hospital discharged him shortly afterwards. His mum Ciara arranged to take him to Crumlin Hospital for surgery on his broken arm.

However, following admission to the hospital the schoolboy became poorly and was prescribed tablets and steroids "but was vomiting all day". The eight-year-old was then administered a second dose of steroids to relieve his symptoms but he soon began experiencing breathing difficulties.

Hospital staff instructed Ciara to walk Matthew around the hospital and give him water. Matthew was sent home from the hospital but by the following Monday, November 10, his condition had rapidly declined and he was struggling to breathe.

Matthew's condition deteriorated further and then he eventually stopped breathing, with emergency services racing to the family home to treat him. He was transported to Crumlin Hospital where he was put into an induced coma and placed on a life support machine.

Matthew died on Monday, November 17, surrounded by his loved ones at his bedside, the Irish Mirror reports.

Ciara's sister-in-law, Lauren Frampton, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide support for the grieving family. A statement posted by Lauren on the fundraising platform reads: "Matthew was the most loving little boy he was only 8.

"He is missed and loved by so many people Matthew has 2 brothers and 2 sisters and Matthew was the eldest this go fund me is too help Matthews family against the financial stress.

"He was the most heartwarming boy and will be missed and was loved by all who knew him! As a community we've all pulled together and anything as little as anything would really help this family through this difficult time."

The GoFundMe appeal has collected more than €14,300 (£12,500) from more than 500 donors at the time of publication.

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for the young boy, with one of Matthew's teachers from his previous school, St Joseph's National School in Arklow, posting online: "Ciara I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little boy Matthew, my heart broke when I heard.

"I was so lucky to have got to know him in the time I worked with him in St. Joseph's, I used to look forward to seeing his cheeky little smile every day. He was such a happy little boy with so many people who adored him. He was so special! Rest in peace little man."

Matthew attended St. Patrick's National School, where one staff member said: "Matthew brought so much happiness to our school. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of his family. I know staff members, classmates and all who knew him will miss him dearly. St. Pats will miss his smiley face every day. Rest in Peace, Matthew."

Another shared: "Sending all Matthew's family and friends the strength to get through this incredibly sad time. Matthew was such a friendly, funny and kind young man. He was a brilliant big brother to Tyler and his little sisters and was so proud to tell everyone in St. Patrick's about his new baby brother. I will always remember Matthew's cheeky smile and I will miss him very much. May he rest in peace."

A third said: "My sincere condolences to Matthew's family and friends. He was such a sweet child and he will be missed dearly in St. Patrick's NS. May you rest in peace Matthew - Forever in our hearts."

Matthew's funeral took place on Friday at St. Joseph's Church in Templerainey, Arklow, with his classmates wearing t-shirts emblazoned with 'Matthew our Hero'.

After the funeral mass, Matthew was laid to rest alongside his grandad Billy in St. Gabriel's Cemetery, Arklow.