I gave birth to my baby the day my son died

It all happened so fast.

Lochlain Atkinson was hit and killed by a garbage truck in Toowomba on 26 September outside the front of his home. He was being cared for by a relative when he darted out in front of the truck without warning. The 22-month-old died at the scene.

When his mum Olivia Atkinson was told what had happened to her son, the grief forced her into labour. Supported by husband Paul she raced to hospital to give birth. She was nine days overdue and had been scheduled to be induced the morning Lochlain died. Instead she was in shock as she delivered her new son.

It was one of the hardest things she's ever had to do.

Family members quickly organised for a photo of Lochlain to be placed in his mother's hospital room propped next to his favourite teddy bear. He'd been excited to become a big brother. He used to kiss and hug his mother's pregnant belly.

Baby Isaac now shares his birthday with the anniversary of the death of his brother.

Paul and Olivia Atkinson are two of the most inspiring people we have ever come across. Shattered by the death of their son Lochlain they have banded together to raise Isaac in the same home they used to share with his brother, metres away from where he died. They want to stay in the home where they have so many happy memories of the little boy.

“He’s definitely there. We can feel, we can feel him. He’s always there he’s always watching over us, giving us comfort just as much as everyone else," father Paul said.

They have been overwhelmed by the support of their community who have rallied around the family. Paul and Olivia had been running their own takeaway business but haven't operated it since the day of the accident.

The family were given the number of the driver of the garbage truck and reached out to him. Paul invited him to come to the memorial and funeral.

“We don’t hold any grudge."

“Hug your children," Olivia said. “Don’t get too caught up in life and be too busy because you never know when you’re going to lose them.”

Lifeline has set up an account with 100 percent of donations going to the Atkinson family. You can find the details on the Facebook page set up in support for the family. Visit the Lochlain Forever Facebook page here.

Image credit: Facebook