Family left ‘broken’ as 2-year-old son who was ‘always smiling’ dies suddenly in his sleep

A 2-year-old boy had died in his sleep after being found unresponsive in his bed in the early morning.

Arlo Canter’s mum Kirsty Houston and dad Cameron Canter have shared emotional tributes to their young son who was unable to be revived by emergency services after they were called to their Cardiff home on Saturday 20 November.

The reason for his death is currently unknown, and it is thought that the toddler passed away without warning throughout the night.

‘We are all broken right now’

Arlo’s mum, Kirsty, took to social media to pay tribute to their “beautiful baby boy”, saying: "Myself and Cameron are absolutely heartbroken to say that Friday night we lost our beautiful baby boy Arlo.

“As you can imagine we are all broken right now and we know we have so much support and love around us.

"He had the most beautiful smile that would light up the room and we are so proud of the amazing boy he was.

“There are no words to describe the pain we feel now, but together we are trying to be strong to support Teddy through this hard time."

Arlo was a healthy 2-year-old

Speaking to WalesOnline, Cameron, Arlo’s dad, said that there was no indication his young son was feeling ill before he went to sleep and said that he had no previous health concerns apart from mild asthma.

He said: “He was dancing and having cwtches with me," he said. "Whenever you looked at him he would just smile, and his blue eyes would light up the room.

"Personally, I still can’t believe it’s happened. I feel like I need to pick him up from nursery."

Family launch fundraiser for funeral

Kirsty and Cameron have now launched a GoFundMe page to help with the cost of Arlo’s funeral.

The GoFundMe fundraiser has already raised more than £10,000 combined.

Cameron said: "I could not be more proud of this community. I’m gobsmacked at how much money has been raised at such short notice."

To donate to Arlo’s funeral fund, you can find them here and here.

His parents have also said that a blue balloon release will take place on Friday 26 November to honour Arlo’s memory.

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