Heartbreaking tributes have poured in after a 12-year-old boy took his own life, leaving his family and the wider community devastated.
Riley Townsend, from Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, took his own life on Sunday, September 1, after battling with mental health issues.
The youngster, who played for Kirkby Colts FC and Teversal FC, leaves behind his parents, Abi and Matt Townsend, along with his siblings.
The day after his death, a GoFundMe was launched to help his family cover funeral expenses.
Fundraiser organisers Jodie Draycott and Abi Hill said: “His parents are afraid they can’t afford to give him the send off he deserves, so we are asking people to find it in their hearts to help this family through this very painful time.”
They added that the family is going through its “worst nightmare” as they come to terms with the tragic loss.
The fundraiser has raised £6,362 at the time of writing from 409 donors.
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