The mother of three-year-old Noah Woods, who was found dead after going missing from a playground, has issued a heartfelt plea to parents. Charlie, Noah's mother, said: "If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted."
Search and discovery
Noah was visiting a play area in Brantham, Suffolk, with a relative on September 15 when he went through a gap in the fence and vanished. The relative "tried to keep up" with Noah but lost sight of him. His body was found in a nearby lake the next day.
Family tribute
A tribute issued by Noah's family through Sussex Police described him as "a happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went."
The family said Noah was being assessed for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and was speech delayed. The tribute noted: "Despite the challenges he faced, he was learning every day. He was saying new words all the time and had only just started finding and using his little voice."
The family spoke of Noah's bond with his baby brother, saying he "absolutely adored" him and loved entertaining him and making him laugh. They also mentioned his weekly trips to the park with a treasured relative, describing their relationship as "wonderful" and filled with laughter.
Thanks and gratitude
The family expressed gratitude to the Good Dads Club, Ipswich Town Football Club, everyone who helped during the search, emergency services, and police specialist support. They also thanked the footballing community "from grassroots clubs through to the highest levels of the game" for their support.
The tribute concluded: "The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we will be forever grateful to every single person who has stood beside us and remembered our beautiful Noah."
