Ben Goodchild was brought back to life 50 minutes after dying in a tragic accident. His parents, Toni and Andrew, tell KATE THOMPSON how they hope a new fund will help secure his future...

A NEW fund has been launched to help safeguard the future of a special little Southampton boy who died as a result of a tragic accident - but was brought back to life 50 minutes later.

Ben Goodchild, now aged 18 months, suffered brain damage after being starved of oxygen for nearly an hour. Experts don't know whether he will ever be able to speak and they have given him only a two per cent chance of walking.

But parents Toni, 40, and Andrew, 47, are determined they will give their precious son the best life he can possibly have.

"He is going to have an assessment done that will allow a programme of activities to be put together for him but that costs at least £450," said Toni, who was with her son when the tragic accident happened.

As his hand reached out and touched a faulty wire on an electrical fire, his head shot back as a result of the heart-stopping shock - and Toni knew instantly that her longed-for baby was dead.

A team of 14 doctors and nurses fought to keep Ben alive. After 50 minutes battling to revive Ben, they wanted to call it a day - but Toni refused to give up and asked them to try one more time.

"I knew he was dead all that time but I also knew that that wasn't it for Ben. I'm sure that's why I stayed so calm throughout.

"It's a strange situation to be in - there I was seeing my son dead before me but I didn't get hysterical because I knew he hadn't really gone," said Toni.

To ensure they can get the best possible treatment for their son, the Goodchilds have launched "The Benjamin Goodchild Settlement Fund".

Andrew's boss, Terry Clark of Terry Clark Merchandising, Shopfitting and Project Management Support, based in Shirley, has made the first donation with a cheque for £1,000.

Originally he had planned to give just £500 but having met Ben he decided to double his support.

Terry, 47, is a huge Portsmouth fan but Ben is a Saints supporter - just like his dad.

"He's a great boy - and I can even forgive him being a Saints fan," says Terry.

"When you meet him, you just want to do something to help," he said.

The family are also organising other fund-raising events and held a barbecue in Ben's honour last weekend to raise more money.

If you want to contribute to the Benjamin Goodchild Settlement Fund you can contact Andrew on 07743 850183 or you can e-mail him at: andrewgoodchild@fsmail.net