‘My baby boy watches over me’ - Heartbroken mum of tragic Muirhouse toddler Julius Czapla thanks public for kind donations which helped pay for son’s funeral in Poland

The heartbroken mum of a toddler who died in Muirhouse has thanked members of the public for their kindness, support and donations which helped towards the costs of her son’s funeral in Poland.

Little Julius Czapla was pronounced dead at the scene a short time after emergency services were called to a block of flats in Muirhouse Place West on the morning of Saturday, November 21.

A 40-year-old man, Lucasz Czapla, has been charged with the boy’s murder and appeared in court last month where he made no plea.

A fundraising page was started in aid of Julius’s mother, Patrycja, who is originally from Poland but has been living in Edinburgh for some time - and more than £2,200 has been raised so far.

Little Julius Czapla.

Patrycja Njoroge, a close friend who helped set up the Gofundme page, said the money has helped pay for flights to Poland, accommodation costs and the funeral itself which, unlike in Scotland, is not covered by a government funeral support payment for children. The boy’s funeral took place on December 18.

Miss Njoroge also passed on a message of thanks from Julius’s mum to those who have helped during this difficult time, which read: “My Baby Boy watches over me from heaven as all of you do from here on Earth.

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for your kindness and generosity.

“Thank you all so much for being there for me.You cannot imagine how much strength your support has given me during this difficult time.

“Thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart.”

Miss Njoroge said that any further donations will help towards Patrycja’s living expenses as she continues to deal with the grieving process when she returns to Edinburgh.

She said: “Because we had the fundraising, we hope she was given enough to cover the funeral expenses and the flights. It helped a lot. She really appreciates the help.

“It was overwhelming for her when she found out how great the community of Edinburgh is in terms of supporting a stranger. A lot of these people do not know her. She is very grateful.”

Miss Njoroge said it is especially difficult for Julius’s mum just now because Christmas is usually a time for the family and children, adding: “It’s just heartbreaking for all of us knowing that her wee one is not there. For her it is very difficult.”

Miss Njoroge described to the Edinburgh Evening News previously how the toddler was always full of energy and loved to ride his balance bike - and how ice cream of any flavour would always put a big smile on his face.

Following the tragic incident last month, locals gathered outside the building where Julius died and placed flowers, notes, candles, soft toys and photographs in tribute to the youngster.

Miss Njoroge said she is also aware of another fundraising page which has been set up by a friend and one other which has been set up by people in Poland. Any funds raised will go towards supporting Julius’s mother.

She said a church mass was also due to be held on December 20 in memory of Julius, in line with current Covid restrictions.

Anyone who wishes to donate and support Julius’s mother can do so HERE.

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