The parents of a baby who died after choking on a piece of pasta have launched a fundraiser in a bid to get anti-choking equipment in every nursery in Kent.

Oliver Steeper was being looked after at Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Ashford in September 2021, when he became unable to breathe while eating and was taken to hospital.

The nine-month-old died six days later at Evelina London Children's Hospital, and inquest proceedings are on-going.

Now parents Lewis and Zoe Steeper want to see anti-choking devices, comprised of a mask and suction equipment, in pre-schools across the county.

Mr Steeper, 39, said: “We want to tackle nurseries and childminders in Kent first then look at schools. Anywhere we can really.

“If we can prevent another child from dying from choking where first aid has failed then just one child makes the goal complete.”

Mr and Mrs Steeper have set up a foundation in their son’s name, as well as a fundraising page, on the first day receiving a £500 anonymous donation, which made their jaws “drop”.

“Since losing Oliver, choking has been at the forefront of our minds,” Mr Steeper said

“When we saw this device we thought wow. It is so effective and simple to use.

“We now firmly believe that if this device had been available at Jelly Beans Nursery when Oliver had his choking incident, he would still be here today and probably completely unscathed.

The couple, who welcomed their second son Jake Oliver Steeper in January, have bought two devices for their car, not just for Jake, but in case they pass someone who is choking.

Mr Steeper, speaking about their fundraising efforts, said: “It is so humbling to know we are helping people and making a difference.

“We are still living it all daily but if you do not have any positivity then you would end up in a hole. I would not wish it on anyone.”

The Steepers have chosen to raise funds for anti-choking devices made by company LifeVac.

Matthew Banagan, sales and marketing director of the company, said: “LifeVac is a single-use, portable, non-invasive airway clearance device with a patented one-way valve system. This means when applied no air can be forced through the mask, meaning it cannot push the obstruction further down”

Mr Banagan added: “LifeVac is to be used when first aid has failed or cannot be performed as first aid is only 70% effective when performed in a perfect situation.”

He claimed they have helped save over 1,232 lives in a choking emergency.

Earlier this month concerns were raised at a pre-inquest review into Oliver’s death that there could have been “missed opportunities” to save his life.

At the inquest opening last year, Oliver’s cause of death was given as a brain injury and cardio-respiratory arrest following "aspiration of foodstuffs during a choking episode".

In February, a police investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy was closed.

Donations can be made to the Oliver Steeper Foundation’s go fund me page here.

Lewis and Zoe’s fundraising efforts will help them buy the wall mount kits which are £84.95 plus VAT.