..Goodnight, beautiful boy
Family, friends in tributes to lightning lad, 9
THE family of a football-mad boy killed by lightning paid tribute last night to their “brightest star”.
Nine-year-old Jordan Banks was struck as he played on a pitch near his home when a thunderstorm hit.
It is believed his stepfather Dan Begg, 35, was watching on Tuesday.
In a statement, Jordan’s family, of Blackpool, Lancs, said: “Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star, our beautiful boy Jordan. His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything. Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight, beautiful boy.”
Jordan’s mum Danielle Begg, 38, joined family and friends yesterday as they visited the flowers, football shirts and other tributes near where he died.
In January Jordan raised more than £2,000 for a mental health charity, running 30 miles over 10 days after his uncle Reece Begg, 28, took his own life.
Liverpool fan Jordan was nicknamed “mini-Milner” as his all-action playing style was like that of his hero James – who delighted the youngster by sending a personal video message.
In it, the Reds star, 35, said: “You’re doing an amazing thing in raising funds for counselling in honour of your uncle. Running a marathon is an incredible feat. It’s difficult with people doing it with legs a lot bigger than yours, but to do 30 miles is incredible. Remember, you’ll never walk alone.”
COMPASSION
Pal CJ Campbell, nine, said: “I started crying as soon as I heard because he is my very best friend in my class at school. We played football against each other. He was very funny and caring and had raised money for charity.”
CJ’s dad, Chris, said: “Jordan was having a one-to-one coaching session. His stepdad was in the car at the time. It is awful.”
Jordan played for Clifton Rangers Bees, which called him “a shining light and an inspiration to everyone he met”, adding: “The world has truly lost an extraordinary young man, who did so much good in his community.”
A pupil at Stanley Primary School, he was taken to hospital after the incident at Common Edge playing fields at 5pm but died soon after.
Craig England and Jane Murphy, co-headteachers, said: “Everyone is completely numb. Jordan was a bright, bubbly pupil loved by staff and pupils. He was a very determined young man. He was so friendly and showed great compassion towards fellow pupils.”
Lightning hits between 30 and 60 people in the UK but causes an average of just two deaths a year. Blackpool Tower and the resort town’s famous Illuminations were last night lit up red – the colour of Jordan’s beloved football team.