A HEARTFELT mural of four boys who died in Babbs Mill Lake just before Christmas has been put into place.
The artwork, that was installed over the weekend, depicts portraits of Finlay Butler, eight, his younger brother Samuel, six, their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, 10, who fell through the frozen lake.
The boys were pulled from the Kingshurst lake on December 11 amid freezing temperatures.
In the days following hundreds paid tribute to the boys – including West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police, who were part of the rescue – by laying flowers, cards and balloons by a tree in the park.
But thanks to a group of young men a more permanent memorial has now been put into place.
Smithswood Access to Services and Support (SASS), which supports young people to over come disadvantage and create their own positive change for their futures, funded the project.
Debi Ramsey, SASS group founder said: “This beautiful memorial was created by some of the young men because they wanted to give back to their communities.
“Many young people have developed skills that are highlighted in this memorial.
“As well as creating an urban memorial in remembrance to the the Babbs Mill Boys it also shows that given the opportunity young people have skills that there needs to be opportunity for them to use them.”
Speaking in the days following their deaths the boys families paid tribute to them.
The parents of Thomas, Finlay and Samuel said: “As a family we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful boys Tom, Fin and Sam in such tragic circumstances.
“We would like to thank the emergency services for all they did in rescuing the boys and to the community for their support – it has been overwhelming.”
Thomas’ older brother paid tribute to him and his cousin ahead of the news that Samuel had died.
He wrote: “Thomas was such a lively little soul, he had a big heart for such a young kid and he was so beautiful.
“He loved being outside playing with his mates.
“I love you Tom, big bro will take care of the family and I will see you soon. Make sure you keep practising on warzone and get a win, will you?
“Can’t forget about my dinosaur man Fin, he loved dinosaurs so much and always showing me new things he built on Minecraft and all the new stuff he learnt on it. Gonna miss you little man.”
An inquest in December confirmed the boys died from drowning.
A full inquest into all four deaths will take place on July 6.
