Funeral cash appeal for tragic Layton
MONEY IS RAISED FOR THE FUNERAL OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD
A COMMUNITY is rallying together to help pay for the funeral of a ‘beautiful’ five-year-old boy who died after being hit by a van in Newcastle.
Layton Darwood was fatally injured after being involved in a collision with a white Ford Transit on Willow Avenue, Fenham, at around 4.50pm on Monday.
Emergency services arrived at the scene and transported him to hospital where he died a short time later.
On Tuesday, flowers, cards, toys and balloons were left at the side of the road on Willow Avenue in tribute to the schoolboy.
A crowdfunding page has now been set up to help the grieving family pay for Layton’s funeral, with more than £3,000 raised in less than 24 hours.
A post on the JustGiving page reads: “As you are now aware of the very tragic and horrendous event that happened. The beautiful fiveyear-old boy Layton Darwood was tragically killed in the road collision in Fenham.
“It is an extremely sad loss for his family and to everybody that knew the beautiful little boy. I am calling out and asking for help from our wonderful local community. If you could all dig deep, nothing’s too big or too small.
“We have all come together before, and raised thousands of pounds for causes so close to home! Let’s give him the best send off we can, for the short wonderful life he lived.
“Every little helps. On behalf of the family, I thank you. Lots of love xxxx”
A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in custody.
Specialist officers from Northumbria Police’s motor patrols department continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sergeant Lee Butler said: “This is a devastating time for Layton’s family and our thoughts go out to them at this horrendous time.
“The whole community is saddened by what has happened and I know they will rally round to support them.
“We would ask that people respect their privacy as they try to come to terms with their tragic loss and avoid speculating about the circumstances of the collision at this early stage.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 748 of August 24 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Information can also be left on the Northumbria Police website.
To donate, go to www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/laytondarwood