A heartbroken mum has vowed to raise £5,000 in memory of her “determined and brave” baby son who died of a genetic muscle condition.

Zac Cochrane was just seven-and-a-half months old when he died of type one spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in July, a condition causing severe muscle weakness.

Mum Michelle Cochrane, 31, of Stafford Crescent, Braintree, took him to his GP when he was two months old when she was concerned he was not moving his legs, could not lift his arms above his head and was turning his hand in an unusual way.

He was referred to Broomfield Hospital for blood tests and diagnosed with the most severe form of SMA in April.

It was discovered his parents are both carriers of the SMA gene and there was a 25 per cent chance of Zac developing the condition.

He was sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he was given a life expectancy of seven to eight months.

Zac’s condition quickly deteriorated and he spent his last few weeks at the Little Havens hospice in Benfleet before his tragic death on July 22.

Mrs Cochrane, who had suffered two previous miscarriages, said: “When Zac was given seven to eight months, we thought of course he would live past that and see his first birthday. It just wasn’t meant to be.

“He was a very determined and brave little boy he was always happy. Although we hadn’t had him for long he gave us so much happiness."

Husband Tom Cochrane, 32, said: “We feel like we will never be happy again. It’s ruined our life.

“We see other parents going to the park and we have to visit Zac’s grave.

“The only thing we feel able to do is try to raise funds for charity so other people can be helped.”

They are now focusing on raising £5,000 for Little Havens and SMA Support UK, which helps families affected by the condition.

Mrs Cochrane said: “I don’t want him to die in vain. I just want to make a difference to other people and do something in his memory.”

To donate to Zac’s Angel Fund go to angel-funds.everydayhero.com/uk/zac-cochrane.