Aussie mum ‘beyond devastated’ after son falls to death

Holly Bishop, a former Padbury Senior High School student, and her British partner Robert Devlin are believed to have been living in Lagos, on Portugal’s south coast, where their son Spencer fell from a second-floor balcony about 9.30am on Saturday.

Media reported that the toddler, who was born in Portugal, was rushed to hospital with critical injuries before being transferred to the Algarve University Hospital Centre in Faro, about 100km away.

It is understood Spencer was admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit but died from his injuries.

Members of Ms Bishop’s Perth family are believed to have travelled to Portugal in recent days to give her support.

The investigation into how the toddler fell from the balcony is continuing.

Friends in Australia have started a GoFundMe page to help the couple pay funeral costs and medical bills.

“Yesterday was the worst day of Rob and Holly’s lives,” Tammy Dower wrote on the page on Sunday.

“Their little baby boy Spencer had a tragic accident and was taken to Faro Hospital in Portugal where they did all they could for him but unfortunately he just couldn’t fight any longer.

“Last night their beautiful baby boy Spencer grew his little wings and left all of his family behind.

“They are beyond devastated and would like to let everyone know but at the moment would just like some time to come to terms with their loss and be around family.

“I am setting this GoFundMe page up to help take the stress of the funeral and other bills away so they can grieve the loss of their little boy properly.

“It honestly breaks my heart in a million pieces for Holly and her family.”

The couple, who are aged in their 20s and met overseas about three years ago, were in Perth with their son in January. On January 18, Ms Bishop wrote on Facebook: “Hello Australia”.

On January 30, Mr Devlin posted a “quokka selfie” at Rottnest.

Mr Devlin is believed to run a business in Lagos, a small resort town about three hours south of Portugal’s capital Lisbon. Friends have taken to Facebook to offer condolences, writing on a picture of the happy family that was re-posted to Mr Devlin’s page on Sunday.

“I am so sorry,” Darren Thompson-Barr wrote.

“There’s no words to express how you must be feeling. Our thoughts are with you and your family at such a sad time.”

Lorraine Wright posted: “My thoughts are with you all, so very sorry.”

Maria Reis posted in Portuguese: “Very sad with your loss my friend and neighbour.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was ready to offer consular assistance if requested.

The department can provide support and guidance to Australian citizens to assist with funeral arrangements.

By late yesterday, the GoFundMe page had raised $840 of its $5000 target.

To donate to the fund, visit gofundme.com/little-spencer-taken-way-to-soon

This article originally appeared on The West Australian.