A kind-hearted community has come together and raised thousands of pounds for the family of a boy who was knocked off his bike and killed.
Little Mason French was riding his bike when he was struck by a bus on Lizard Lane in Whitburn on Tuesday, October 25.
The 11-year-old, also from Whitburn in South Tyneside, died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics and the emergency services.
Read more: Police name boy, 11, who died after being knocked off bike by bus
Since then, tributes have been pouring out from the community as a GoFundMe was launched earlier this week, attracting thousands of pounds.
Now, the fundraising effort has reached a milestone as almost £20,000 has raised for the Mason's family in a matter of days.
It comes as inquiries into the circumstances of the tragedy are continuing with members of the public, or anyone with dashcam footage, asked to contact the force.
Read more: More than £15k raised to support family of boy, 11, who died after tragic bus crash
As of Saturday morning, a total of £19,365 had been raised by more than 900 people with donations ranging from £10 to £500.
Set up by Laura French, Mason's aunty, she said that the money would go towards giving Mason the "best celebration" they can.
Writing on GoFundMe said: "As a family we are trying to pull together unexpected costs for the funeral and to celebrate his life.
"No parents ever expect to have to deal with this news or arrange a funeral for their 11-year-old boy.
Read more: Whitburn incident: Floral tributes left at Lizard Lane where boy, 11, tragically dies
"In this current climate funds are difficult anyway and my beautiful sister hasn't even returned to work yet after having a gorgeous baby girl."
The appeal goes on to state: "A few quid would really help take some of the stress away of trying to give him the best celebration we can.
"Thank you all for your kind words and support."
Since the tragic incident flowers have been left at the scene of the collision in Whitburn.
Handwritten notes describe Mason as 'the brightest star in the sky' and say that he will be: "Forever loved, forever missed, never forgotten."
Inspector Phil Patterson of Northumbria Police said: “We are continuing to support Mason’s family as they try and process what has happened.
“Our thoughts are with Mason’s loved ones, as well as the local community, who are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.
“We are working hard to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision and have already spoken with the bus driver, who remained the scene, as well as a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time.
“As ever, if you think you can assist us, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information about the incident should contact police by calling 101 or using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the Northumbria Police website, quoting log NP-20221025-0586.
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