Over £20,000 has been raised in memory of a "precious little boy" who tragically died following a collision with a bus in Whitburn.
Mason French, aged 11, was riding his bicycle on Lizard Lane at around 3.30pm on Tuesday, October 25, when he was involved in a collision with a bus and sadly died at the scene. In a moving tribute to Mason his auntie, Laura French, described him as "the little boy who first taught me unconditional love".
She wrote the moving message to her nephew on a GoFundMe page, which she set up to help the family cover the cost of Mason's funeral and celebrate his short life. The appeal, which was launched on Wednesday, aimed to raise £5,000 to support the family, but has already reached more than £20,000.
Read more: Family of Mason French, 11, launch fundraiser to pay for funeral after tragic bus crash in Whitburn
A message on the page from Laura said: "I am the auntie to the most precious little boy. The little boy who first taught me unconditional love.
"The little boy who would light up the room when he walked in with his smile and his humour. Unfortunately, this little boy was tragically taken from us suddenly.
"As a family, we are trying to pull together unexpected costs for the funeral and to celebrate his life. No parents ever expect to have to deal with this news or arrange a funeral for their 11-year-old boy.
"In this current climate funds are difficult anyway and my beautiful sister hasn't even returned to work yet after having a gorgeous baby girl. So never did I think I would do this but so many people have asked how they could help.
"A few quid would really help take some of the stress away of trying to give him the best celebration we can. Thank you all for your kind words and support."
As well as cash donations, tributes have been pouring in for the "beautiful boy" on the GoFundMe page from heartbroken friends and members of the community.
One person wrote: "Such a pleasure to have known a lovely kind hearted young lad. Deepest condolences to all the family at this awful time. Sleep tight smiler, all our love xxx"
Another added: "I have no words to ease the pain of the devastating loss of such a gorgeous little man. My heart is breaking for you, sending loving wishes and prayers to you all xx. RIP Mason xxx"
A third person wrote: "Mason was the best friend my son could have asked for…so accepting and protective. We'll all miss him terribly. x"
To donate to the appeal visit this link.
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