LUCAS Dobson – who died after falling into a river while on a family fishing trip – will be laid to rest today.
His dad announced the tragic youngster’s funeral would be on his seventh birthday, as he invited “everyone” to pay their respects.
Mourners arriving at the church ahead of Lucas Dobson’s funeral[/caption]
Family and friends at St. George’s Church, Deal, this afternoon ahead of the service[/caption]
The six-year-old was swept to his death after falling into the River Stour[/caption]
A picture of the tragic youngster, a racing helmet and a toy were poignantly arranged at the service[/caption]
He fell into the River Stour in Sandwich, Kent, on August 17, and his body was found five days later. The funeral for the little boy is at St. George’s Church, Deal, this afternoon.
Mourners arrived at the church in black and red items, as they prepared to celebrate the youngster’s life.
His father, Nathan Dobson, and mum, Kirsty Furze, have urged people to raise money to help improve and raise awareness for river safety.
Posting a message to the ‘In Loving Memory of Lucas’ Facebook page, Mr Dobson said last week: “Funeral date is confirmed and is for everyone and anyone that would like to come to pay last respects to the little boy that brought so many people and so much love together.
“Friday the 13th is his birthday and the day we lay him to rest. Unlucky for no one on this day.”
He added: “There is so many flowers around and 99 per cent of them will end up in the bin, rather than spend more money on something to be thrown away and go to waste.
“We are raising money for the awareness campaign to improve river safety and also giving donations to all the unpaid emergency services that where involved in searching for our amazing little boy.”
EMOTIONAL GOODBYE
He added: “I just want to say thank you for everyone’s love, kindness and support.
“Just because we are laying him to rest it’s not goodbye from us or over in anyway.
“You will see all progress and what is put in place for the river and safety awareness for along time after.
“I will be doing another interview with the nice people ITV News after the funeral so everyone can see what’s next.
“Thank you from the bottom of mine and Kirsty’s hearts we love you all and are so grateful our little boy can make such an impact and difference to the world.”
Mum Kirsty Furze, 31, said Lucas would have been “too scared to try swimming” despite having lessons.
She added: “Lucas will never ever ever be forgotten. I’m so overwhelmed with the support I have and had and so is Lucas’ dad”.
Experts from the emergency services used specialist equipment in order to find Lucas, including sonar detectors, underwater cameras, divers, dogs and drones.
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More than 200 volunteers helped in the hunt with some coming from outside the county to take part in the rescue.
Candlelit vigils were held in several coastal and inland towns and villages, while Twitter users shared images of lit candles under the hashtag #LightUpTheCoastForLucas in solidarity with his family.
An inquest has been adjourned until November 12.
Mourners wore black and red for the service on what would have been the youngster’s seventh birthday[/caption]
A framed photo, a helmet, and a toy boat sit by the altar at St George’s Church in Deal, Kent[/caption]
The tragic boy’s parents invited ‘everyone’ to come and pay tribute to him[/caption]
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