THE parents of a six-month-old boy who died after a "heroic" battle with rare multiple heart defects are November's Gold Stars.

William Powell, from Southway, died aged six months after 11 days on a life support machine

at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

He had two major operations in his short life, having been given a 33 per cent chance of survival by doctors before he was even born.

William's parents, Daniel and Kelly Powell, derived great inspiration from their son's short life, and have raised thousands of pounds for both the hospital were William was cared for and the charity Little Hearts Matter, which supports children with a single ventricle heart condition and their families.

Mr Powell said: "All I ever wanted to be is a dad. We had William for six months and two weeks and they were the best ever.

"When we found out about William's condition we didn't get any counselling or support. We were told the best thing would be to get a termination, but then we wouldn't have had six months of William.

"Now we would like to help other parents in that situation."

Talking about how his baby son inspired him to help others, Mr Powell said: "He's touched a lot of people. He's definitely done something, that little one"

William was born on May 7 with pulmonary atresia and hypoplastic right heart syndrome, which left the right side of his heart underdeveloped and his pulmonary artery blocked.

To raise awareness of the rare illnesses, family members and friends have been raising funds for the Little Hearts Matter charity.

The Powells' awareness campaign on social networking site Facebook – which has more than 1,600 members – was flooded with tributes following William's death on November 24.

Now William's parents are also raising money for the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, which places a star on the ceiling for every £1,000 pounds raised in memory of a child.

Mr and Mrs Powell raised that amount in just 48 hours, as tributes and donations poured in.

Mr Powell said: "We've had a lot of people coming forward. Quite a few schools in Plymouth have raised money for Little Hearts. The support has been amazing.

"It kind of rekindles your faith in people, with everything that goes on in the world."

He said he and other family members wanted to throw themselves into fundraising.

Marc Reddy, managing director of Gold Star sponsors First Devon and Cornwall, said: "Mr and Mrs Powell are an inspiration to all of us.

"I can only imagine how devastating it must be to lose a child. The fact that they are channelling their grief into helping others is amazing.

"William's memory will live on through them, and through the work they are doing in his name. They are very deserving Gold Star winners, congratulations."

Herald Editor Bill Martin said: "Little William fought for his life against all odds, and brought joy to his parents for more than six months.

"Mr and Mrs Powell have derived from him not only the strength to cope with his passing, but also to keep his memory alive by helping others in a similar position.

"He was clearly a very special little boy."

The Gold Star Award, organised by The Herald and bus company First Devon and Cornwall, seeks to recognise bravery, selflessness and achievement in the community of Plymouth.

If you know someone who deserves the award, why not nominate them?

Call or write to The Herald, or email goldstarawards@theplymouthherald.co.uk.