GENEROUS donors have raised more than £94,400 in memory of the four boys who died after falling into a freezing lake at Babbs Mill Park.
Finlay Butler, eight, his younger brother Samuel, six, their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, 10, died following the tragic incident in the park in December.
A Go Fund Me page was set up to raise funds for the children’s families – and in less than a month, more than 3,600 people had raised £94,430 at the time of publication.
Donations have come in from residents, companies, organisations and well wishers from across Solihull and beyond.
Donor Gregory Fox wrote: “This is such a sad event that has touched my heart deeply.
“These boys were just doing what boys do, but unfortunately fate had a cruel hand to play.
“It just shows us all how lives can be shattered in and instant, not just for the poor boys but their families too.
“My heart and best wishes go out to all the bereaved and the boys’ friends too.”
The boys were pulled from the Kingshurst lake on December 11 amid freezing temperatures.
Hundreds of people 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.
Vigils were also held in the park to remember the boys.
Shortly after Jack’s death his headteacher, Cieran Flaherty, at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, said: “Jack was a loving, bubbly pupil with a heart of gold.
“Someone who would always check in on others and make sure they were doing ok. He was a joy to teach and a child who we are all so very proud of.
“A ray of sunshine who would never fail to make us all smile. We can only say thank you to him for brightening up our lives.”
An inquest last month confirmed the boys died from drowning.
A full inquest into all four deaths will take place on July 6.
Click here for more information, or to donate.
