Mum's touching tribute to 'kind and caring' boy, 8, who 'always lit up the room'

11 September 2023 , 22:15

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Kirsty Slater told of her grief at losing her son Joshua (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

An eight-year-old boy who died after being hit by a Land Rover at an Army base was a "bundle of joy" who "always lit up the room".

Kirsty Slater described her son Joshua as "kind and caring" and said he "loved everyone in his life" in a poignant tribute to the youngster. Joshua was hit by a white Land Rover Discovery Sport on Catterick Garrison, an Army base near Richmond, North Yorkshire, on September 5.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision, after which Joshua died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics. Kirsty said today: "He loved everyone in his life, his family, and his friends, he loved music and motorbikes and football, he was a proud Chelsea fan. Joshua was kind and caring and loved with every part of his soul especially his mum, we were best mates."

The keen footballer was hit by a vehicle at an Army base (Catterick Garrison Football)

Kirsty has thanked everyone who tried to help Joshua, including the emergency services and local community. Police continue with enquiries in relation to the incident, Yorkshire Live reports.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed no one has been arrested in relation to the collision. A spokesperson for the force added: "We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after an eight-year-old boy died following a collision in Catterick Garrison.

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"Tragically, the boy died at the scene from his injuries. The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by our specially trained officers. At this time, no arrests have been made and the driver of the vehicle is assisting us with our enquiries."

Neil Rooney, manager of Catterick Garrison Football where Joshua played, paid tribute to the eight-year-old ,who he said was a "huge" part of the club and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help Kirsty.

"We launched the GoFundMe at 6pm last night and within eight hours there was already £15,000 in donations," said Neil. "We launched it to help Kirsty as it was just her and Joshua - no one prepares for a funeral, especially not an eight-year-old's funeral, so we wanted to take the pressure off with costs.

"I have been in tears, I have coached Joshua since he first came to the club, he was such a smiley, happy boy. He loved football and was a huge part of the club, as a coach you get to know everyone here so well." To donate to the appeal, visit this link.

Lucy Marshall