The heartbroken mum of a six-year-old boy who died of a stroke has joined his school pals to plant a tree in his memory.

Little Caleb Forrest passed away just before Christmas in Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children after suddenly taking ill.

The Elderbank schoolboy, who had Down Syndrome, had been in good health despite being born with some health issues, including stomach surgery at one day old to repair a blockage in his bowel.

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The plucky youngster was also born with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) in his heart – a rare condition where there are holes in both chambers – and had further surgery to correct it.

Caleb started school in August and was hugely popular among his classmates.

This week Caleb’s mum Courtney returned to the school to watch her son’s friends plant a tree in his honour.

She said it was an emotional experience. She told the Times: “I thought I was going there to support them, but it turns out they were supporting me. I wasn’t expecting it to be so emotional but it was clear Caleb was so loved and is still missed. His wee chair still sits empty and the kids have made a Caleb box where they write him letters and draw pictures for him.

“At one point I couldn’t hold back the tears and I started to cry and suddenly just felt all these wee hands and arms wrap around my legs, all his wee friends were giving me a hug.

“The school have been absolutely incredible. They planted an Oak tree for Caleb because it will grow to be strong which I thought was lovely.”

After Caleb died his organs were donated and went on to save the lives of three other people.

Courtney, of Parkside, Bourtreehill, told the Times: “We can take comfort knowing that three other families will have had the best possible Christmas present, thanks to our wee boy. We are so proud of him.”