'He deserves this chance': Actress opens up about grief, plans for her son

Disclaimer: This article contains distressing topics such as suicide and child loss. Reader discretion is advised.

Grief comes in many forms.

For one Sydney actress, grief comes in an emotional and unconventional plea.


In a heartbreaking story, Clare McCann pleaded for help after the tragic loss of her son, Atreyu.

The 13-year-old boy's life was cut short last week.

According to McCann, her son was relentlessly bullied at his school, which drove him to take his own life.


compressed-Clare McCann.jpeg
Clare McCann shared one of her precious moments with her son online. Image Credit: Instagram/Clare McCann


In the midst of unimaginable grief, McCann is fighting for a slim chance to give her son a future despite his passing.

She has been looking for ways to have her son's body cryogenically preserved.

McCann's story and proposal captured the attention of Australians everywhere, not just for the tragedy but for the hope she's clinging to.


Clare McCann's grief was compounded by her frustration with Australia's school system.

She claimed that despite months of bullying, no students were suspended or expelled for their treatment of Atreyu.

While the Education Department insisted the school tried to help her son, Clare stated that it did 'nothing'.

Her public plea was not just for her son but also for children and families facing similar issues.

As an actress, Clare McCann is no stranger to the camera.

Yet, in a recent interview at her son's favourite destination, Maroubra Beach, she described his passing as one of the hardest moments she has faced.

'I just want to be with him any way I can, and so I'm placing my bets everywhere. I'm doing everything I can,' she said.


McCann believed that with advanced medical science, there could be a way to bring her 'intelligent, kind, sweet' boy back to life.

'Maybe it might not ever happen, but if there's a chance, you know he deserves this chance,' she emotionally shared in an interview.

The only cryogenics facility in Australia, Southern Cryonics, has agreed to McCann's plans for preservation.

Peter Tsolakides, a representative from the facility, shared his thoughts about the proposal.

'One hundred per cent sure, we're not certain. No guarantees, but there's a reasonable probability,' Tsolakides stated.

It's a leap of faith, but for Clare McCann, it's a leap worth taking.

Learn more about McCann's plans here:

Source: 7 News Australia/YouTube

Cryogenic preservation is both a complex and costly process.

Clare McCann has a seven-day window to preserve her son's body.

Meanwhile, the whole process costs about $300,000.

McCann has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary funds, hoping that the community will rally around her in this desperate time.

She also stated that any money raised above the target will go towards a national anti-bullying campaign.

The extra money should be able to cover legal action and support for other families affected by similar tragedies.

Cryonics is still in its infancy, and the idea of bringing someone back from a frozen state remains in the realm of speculation.

However, for Clare and other parents who have lost children, hope is a powerful force.

Clare is also calling for greater accountability in schools, more robust anti-bullying measures, and better support for families facing a similar crisis.
Key Takeaways

  • Sydney actress Clare McCann made an emotional plea to have her late son Atreyu's body cryogenically frozen following his death.
  • McCann claimed that the school did nothing to intervene, and no students were suspended or expelled over the bullying.
  • Australia's only cryogenics facility has agreed to try preserving Atreyu's body, with a GoFundMe launched to raise $300,000 for the procedure.
  • Any extra funds raised will go towards a national anti-bullying campaign, legal action, and support for other families impacted by similar situations.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyondblue (1300 22 4636) offer support. Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) is also available for younger Australians dealing with mental health concerns and ideations of suicide.
 

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