Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of Scots schoolboy Jack Stewart after his sudden death aged six. The young footballer, from Dundee, sadly passed away on Sunday, May 7.
Following the tragedy, Dundee West FC - the club Jack played for since he was three - launched an online fundraiser to financially support his family. It has since raised over £11,000 with donations pouring in from football clubs across the east of Scotland. The funds will also go towards a long-term tribute for Jack, who was a pupil at Sidlaw View Primary.
A statement from Dundee West FC reads: "All at Dundee West were devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Jack Stewart on Sunday, May 7. Jack, aged six, joined Dundee West as a Wee Westies player at age of three.
"Jack continued his football with the West through the Wee Westies and into Fun 4s with the 2016s age group where Jack proudly wore the number 19 shirt. As a mark of respect this number 19 will be retired as a squad number by the 2016s and will remain as Jack's number.
"Jack was a popular member of the 2016s squad and Dundee West was a massive part of Jack's life. Jack's Dad, Ian, also supported his son and the 2016s team by volunteering to help Jack and his teammates as well as coaching and general help of the team.
"All our thoughts are with Ian, Jillian and Jack's younger sister Rebecca as well as the wider family. At this time the club will do all we can to support the family at this unbelievably sad time.
"Longer term we will look to pay tribute to Jack in fitting ways which will keep Jack as part of the Dundee West Family. We would appreciate any donation which can be contributed towards the support of Jack's family at this time and as a longer lasting tribute of the families choice."
This weekend, a minute silence will be held across all of the club's games as a mark of respect to Jack. The circumstances surrounding the boy's death are currently not known.
Meanwhile, the Record earlier told how Jack's heartbroken mum, Jillian, described Jack as the "light of her life" following his sudden death. Paying tribute to her son, she told the Record: "Jack was the light of our lives. He has left all of us brokenhearted. The years Jack gave us were so happy and special and we will miss him terribly.
"Although it does not ease the pain, we are overwhelmed by the good in people and wish to thank everybody for their kind messages and gestures. It has given us some comfort and this incredibly difficult and tragic time."
Donate to the online fundraiser here.
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