Gosport comes together for fundraiser after tragic death of eight-year-old Leo

THE entire Gosport community has rallied behind the family of a young boy who died in a freak accident.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jul 2018, 11:07 BST
Updated 16th Jul 2018, 17:09 BST
Leo at Rock Challenge this year with mum, dad and sister Courtney. Picture: SuppliedLeo at Rock Challenge this year with mum, dad and sister Courtney. Picture: Supplied
Leo at Rock Challenge this year with mum, dad and sister Courtney. Picture: Supplied

Eight-year-old Leo Burton died after bumping his head while playing outside, shocking everyone in the town.

Now, a fundraiser is being held to support the family of a boy who has been described by family and friends alike '“ with businesses from across the town donating raffle prizes for the event.

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Family friend Jade Blyth, 31, helped organise the fundraiser '“ which will be held at The Fox Tavern in North Street on Sunday from 12-4pm.

Leo at Rock Challenge this year with mum, dad and sister Courtney. Picture: SuppliedLeo at Rock Challenge this year with mum, dad and sister Courtney. Picture: Supplied
Leo at Rock Challenge this year with mum, dad and sister Courtney. Picture: Supplied

Jade said: '˜We contacted The Fox Tavern after they donated a £100 bar tab for a raffle, and they agreed to hold the event, which was incredibly nice of them.

'˜There will be Mickey Mouse decorations in the garden and a barbecue for people to enjoy, along with the raffle itself.'

Businesses from across the borough have donated raffle prizes, from high street stores to hairdressers and fish and chip shops.

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Jade said: '˜It feels like absolutely everyone has helped us out '“ it's quite overwhelming, in all honesty.

'˜All of the money is going directly to the family. We want to do everything we can to support them and remember the wonderful boy Leo was.

'˜It's all about helping them to get the fresh start that they need and being there for them in a difficult time.'

Tammy Kent from The Fox Tavern says that everyone in Gosport has pulled together to support Leo's family.

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She said: '˜Gosport is a small town but it's got some really special people who really rise to the occasion when something like this happens.

'˜When this sort of thing happens everyone pulls together to help one another out '“ it's really quite beautiful.

'˜Leo's family aren't regulars in the pub but everyone has been so generous. We had one regular donate a £100 Amazon gift card, others have donated wine and other drinks '“ businesses and ordinary people have gone above and beyond for this poor family.

'˜Where Leo was so young I think it's really shocked everyone in the town, so it's important to do something.

'˜It's a heartbreaking thing to happen and my heart really goes out to them.'

Related topics:GosportNorth StreetAmazon