A FUNDRAISING page has been set up to help pay for some of the costs of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes’ funeral.
In just three days kind-hearted donors have pitched in almost £3,500.
Emma Tustin has been jailed for 29 years for the murder to the six-year-old boy at her home in Cranmore Road in Shirley last June.
Arthur’s dad, Thomas Hughes, has been jailed for 21 after being found guilty on manslaughter at Coventry Crown Court.
They subjected Arthur to a ‘campaign’ of abuse during lockdown last year, lying about his welfare to the school and misleading social services. The involvement of the latter will now be the subject of two independent reviews.
The pair were also convicted of child cruelty and made Arthur stand in isolation for 14 hours they also deprived him of food and water and poisoned him with salt.
Heartbreak for the young Birmingham City Football Club fan has hit not only Solihull but the world.
Jon Wilkinson, who lived in the street near to where Arthur was abused and eventually murdered, has set up a Go Fund Me page to help cover some the costs of Arthur’s funeral.
Arthur has not yet had a funeral following a battle over who should lay the young boy to rest.
Jon said he does not know the family directly but he is in contact with someone connected with the family, West Midlands Police and Birmingham City FC who are ‘all working towards ensuring the money raised falls into the right hands’.
On the site Jon said: “My plan is to use the funds to contribute in any way towards the funeral for Arthur to ensure he has the send off he truly deserves.
“Children don’t choose what they’re born into, it is our duty as adults and members of this community to ensure the safety of children to ensure they have the best opportunity at life.”
Tributes have also been left.
Carol Sandland wrote: “I wish he knew just how much his Bluenose family love him and how he will never be forgotten by us all.
“Fly high our little Bluenose angel, you were too good to stay here in this evil world.”
Linzy Coveney said: “This was absolutely horrific to read about and I’ve honestly cried every day since for Arthur. His cry’s for love and food will haunt me forever.
“I wish I could have taken him away from those evil monsters and given him the biggest cuddle and so much love.
“It’s so sad that he died thinking that no one loved him and that life was this cruel.
“All the things he’s missed out on in life because of two evil people.
“It shouldn’t be the luck of the draw who you’re born to which depends on if you get abused. I pray Arthur is safe and happy now.”
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