He deserves a beautiful send off - sister of tragic Junior Slater sets up GoFundMe for funeral
His sister has launched the fundraiser to give her late brother the send of he deserves.
The sister of a 12-year-old boy, who died after swimming with friends at the River Ribble in Ribchester, is raising thousands to give her little brother "the beautiful send-off he deserves".
Junior Slater tragically drowned while swimming in the River Ribble at Ribchester on Tuesday.
Family and friends have shared their heartbreak on social media, while members of the community have paid their respects with floral tributes near the scene on the banks of the River Ribble.
Lancashire Police said Junior got into difficulty while swimming with friends around 2pm. A huge emergency response was launched with fire crews, police and paramedics descending on the village, along with underwater search teams, who sadly recovered his body around 7.30pm.
The force said his death is not being treated as suspicious and his family are being supported by specialist officers.
Shannonleigh Slater and Mason Slater only set the fundraiser up a day ago and already £7,637 of the total target of £9,000 has been reached.
She said: “Our hearts are completely broken after tragically losing our beautiful 12-year-old brother.
“He was the happiest, cheekiest soul, always making everyone laugh and lighting up every room he walked into. He was a loving son, amazing little brother, and the best uncle.
“He was loved by so many people, and we were all so proud of him.
“We are raising money to help give him the beautiful send-off he deserves and support our mum and family through this heartbreaking time. Any donation or share would mean the world to us.
“Forever 12. Forever loved.”
Former headteacher pays tribute
His former headteacher at The Blessed Sacrament Primary in Preston also paid tribute tribute to a little boy who left a “lasting impression”.
They said: “It is with deep sadness that we remember one of our former pupils, Junior Slater, who tragically passed away.
“Although he left our school last year, his cheeky smile, warmth, kindness, and bright spirit left a lasting impression on both staff and students.
“Junior will be remembered for his smile, friendships, and the joy he brought to those around him.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with his mum and wider family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. As a school community, we stand together in remembering a young life taken far too soon.”