Hundreds of tributes for 'warrior' boy Cole, 11, as GoFundMe set up for funeral

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to an 11-year-old 'warrior' boy, who tragically lost his fight for life last week following a house fire.

On January 6, Kim Leighton’s world turned upside down after a fire ripped through their family home at Clayton-le-Woods, leaving both her and her cherished 11-year-old son Cole fighting for their lives.

Kim, who was placed in an induced coma for a month, has since improved and, while she has a long road to recovery, her main focus in getting better was to provide strength and support for her son.

However, after a long and hard fought battle from her ‘warrior’ son, a devastated Kim has announced that he has tragically passed away and her heart is broken and that she will love him forever.

She said: “On 7th August 2014 you came into our lives - on 29th May 2026 you left us.

“My heart is broken, life's so cruel. You deserved so much more Cole.

“I dont know why we were chosen to go through this, but one thing I do know Cole is you’re the bravest, strongest boy we will ever know! My little warrior.

“We'll be forever proud of you. Thank you for fighting so hard for us.”

Beautiful tributes

Upon hearing the tragic news hundreds of people have offer their condolences and remembered fond memories of Cole.

A spokesperson for Southlands High School where Cole was a Year 7 pupil said that, although he was only there a short time, he will be remembered for his “mischievous smile, infectious warmth and larger-than-life personality that brightened the days of staff and pupils”.

A spokesperson for St Peter’s Church of England Primary School in Chorley where Cole was a former pupil, added that he filled school days with “laughter, friendship and happiness” and that he had a smile that “could light up any room”.

Charnock Richard FC also posted a moving tribute for “Captain Cole”.

They said that he had been part of the team since he was four and had captured the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Adlington Community Events said: “Thoughts and prayers go to family and friends. RIP Cole.”

Readers were also quick to express their sadness.

Angie Fisher: “Sending love and hugs”.

Kenzie Worthington: “R.I.P Cole. Absolute warrior and a hero!”

Marie Mcevoy: “Awe so sad fly high with the angels young man”.

Lianne Taylor: “He will always be remembered RIP Cole”.

Elaine Winstanley: “Gone but forever in your heart”.

Alan Snape: “Rip Cole a very nice lad I was privileged to know , bless Kim and all family and friends”.

Bec Wheatley: “Pain free now Cole. Fly high with the angels. The sky will shine brighter. Sending lots of love and strength to your mum and all your family at this heartbreaking time”.

Val Standing: “Condolences for your loss. Fly high Cole”.

Laura McGrath: “Rest in paradise young man”.

Keelie Anne: “Little warrior you was Cole you fought for so long to! Rest in peace love and thoughts go with your family”.

Shereen Metcalf: “Heartbreaking fly high beautiful boy! Love to family”.

Pauline Stocks: “Oh poor little champ In the arms of the angels bless him Light up their world little man”.

GoFundMe

A GoFundMe to help the family with funeral costs has been set up by family friend Kelly Harrison.

It reads: “After 21 weeks and 3 days of fighting Cole unfortunately has very sadly passed away.

“He fought so hard right until the very end. His family & friends are all absolutely devasted.

“I’m setting up this page for people to donate big or small, in the hope it will bring some comfort to his loved ones, to be able to give Cole the most amazing send of ever like he deserves.

“Forever 11 Cole.”

If you would like to me a donation to the GoFundMe click here