Thousands have been raised to help with the funeral costs of a 12-year-old who died after getting into trouble swimming in the River Ribble.
On Tuesday, officers received a report of a concern for safety after a 12-year-old boy had gone into the water at Ribchester. Later in the same day, tragically, a body was discovered.
The boy was yesterday named as Junior Slater, from Clayton-le-Woods.
A fundraiser launched on Wednesday by his sister Shannon to help pay for the funeral had topped £7,000 towards a £9,000 target.
The GoFundMe message attributed to Junior’s family reads: “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.”
In a tribute released by Lancashire Police, his family said:” Our little blue-eyed boy. He will be truly missed. He was the life and soul of our lives. Words can’t describe how we are feeling right now. We will forever love you, Junior.”
The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed in due course to HM Coroner.
Preston-based JFN Integrated Solutions donated £500 to the fundraiser, while more than 300 people have contributed to the fundraiser so far.
Junior was among at least eight people, including six children, who drowned over the bank holiday period, as the UK experienced record-breaking temperatures.
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