The family of Joshua Hillstead who died after falling into the River Arrow in Alcester have paid tribute to their “wonderful son” who was “loved by all”.
The eight-year-old from Maypole, Birmingham, tragically drowned after an incident on Monday night involving two children in the water.
Yesterday, July 24, on what would have been his ninth birthday the family said they wanted to pay tribute to a “wonderful son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend”.
“He was a cheeky chappy, loved by so many and will be remembered as a lovely boy, loved by us all.”
The statement on social media also said that the youngster who was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital died in his father’s arms on Tuesday night surrounded by family.
They asked that they would now be given the space to grieve that Joshua will be “forever eight”.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign set up by family friend Kyle Hotchkins has reached more than £3,500 in less than 24 hours.
He said: “As a friend of the family, I have spoken to Josh’s Dad and I want to give them help, so they do not have to worry about anything whilst they are going through this horrendous tragedy.”
See https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-josh-hillstead to donate.
READ MORE Boy, 8, dies after falling into the River Arrow in Alcester
