Tributes pour in for an 11-year-old boy who tragically passed away almost five months after a destructive house fire. On January 6, emergency services swiftly responded to a fire in Clayton Green, Lancashire. Kim Leighton and her son Cole were critically injured and hospitalized at Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Authorities confirmed in February that the fire was not criminal in nature, likely accidental. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to aid the family, raising over £32,000. Sadly, Cole, the 11-year-old, succumbed to his injuries on May 29 after a prolonged battle. He served as the under 12s captain at Charnock Richard FC, with the club expressing deep sorrow on Facebook.
Charnock Richard FC stated, “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Cole, our under 12s captain, who had been a cherished member of our club since the age of four, touching the lives of all who knew him.” Messages of condolences flooded social media platforms, with individuals expressing their sympathies and honoring Cole’s memory.
The community continues to rally around Kim, Craig, Cole’s teammates, and all affected by this tragic loss. The club emphasized unity and support during this challenging time, declaring, “Rest in peace, Captain Cole.”