A COMMUNITY has donated thousands of pounds to help a grieving family give the "best send off’ to a boy who died in a tragic river incident.
Members of the public and friends have given nearly £3,800 to a crowdfunding page set up following the death of Robert Hattersley, of Crawcrook.
The 13-year-old died after he got into difficulty and was swept away in the River Tyne near Ovingham at about 4.15 pm on Sunday.
A Year 9 pupil at Thorp Academy, in Ryton, he has been described by his school as a "well-loved member of the academy family, who immersed himself in all aspects of school life".
A tribute from his heartbroken family said the “kind and caring young man” brought a smile to so many people’s faces and he “will be missed by absolutely everyone who knew and loved him".
The community have rallied behind the family contributing to a GoFundMe page to “Give Robert Hattersley the best send off”.
A family friend, who set up the page, wrote: “I’m fundraising to help out a family who sadly have just lost their much-loved son and brother.
“Robert was playing with friends down at Ovingham river where he was swept out by the current.
"Sadly Robert did not make it.
"I’m looking to try and relieve the family of as much stress as possible right now as it will be very stressful as it is never mind having to worry about funeral costs.”
She added: “Every little helps to give Robert the best send off.”
Thorp Academy has created an online book of condolence which can be found by clicking here.
To contribute to Robert’s GoFundMe page click here.
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