More than £100,000 has been raised for the family of three-year-old Noah Woods after his body was found in Brantham, Suffolk, following a major search operation.
Noah disappeared on Tuesday afternoon after becoming separated from a relative at a playground in Merriam Close, prompting a large community search involving around 1,300 volunteers. Suffolk Police said the toddler was non-verbal, partially deaf and undergoing an assessment for autism.
His body was recovered from Decoy Pond on Wednesday afternoon. Police have said his death is not being treated as suspicious.
Fundraiser exceeds £104,000
A JustGiving appeal organised by Good Dads Club, a fathers' community based in Colchester, has now exceeded £104,000, including a £2,000 donation from Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis.
Organisers said the money would help Noah's family meet immediate expenses and take time away from work as they grieve. Noah's family have been informed of the fundraiser and are said to be "incredibly grateful" for the overwhelming support shown.
Tributes and next steps
The fundraiser read: "In light of the news regarding three-year-old Noah Woods, Good Dads Club is calling on our community to give whatever they can to ease the overwhelming burden on his family during this heartbreaking time."
Noah's father, Rhys Woods, paid an emotional tribute to his son in a Facebook post, writing: "There are no words to describe the pain of this loss. We are all absolutely heartbroken. Noah was the sweetest and most innocent little boy, with nothing but love to give, and we are going to miss him so very much."
Officers have confirmed that further enquiries must be completed before a file can be submitted to the coroner.
