Tributes have flooded in for an 11-year-old boy who has tragically died nearly five months after a devastating house fire in Lancashire.
Emergency services raced to the scene of the blaze in Clayton Green shortly before midnight on January 6. Kim Leighton and her son Cole were both left fighting for their lives in a critical condition at Wythenshawe Hospital and Manchester Children's Hospital.
Police confirmed in February that there was 'no criminal element' to the fire following thorough enquiries, and that the blaze was most likely accidental. A GoFundMe page was set up to support the family after they lost everything in the tragic incident and has since raised more than £32,000.
Cole, 11, died on Friday (May 29), after a lengthy and courageous battle. Cole was under 12s captain at Charnock Richard FC and the club released a heartfelt statement on their Facebook page.
They said: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that everyone at Charnock Richard FC learns of the devastating passing of our under 12s captain, Cole. Cole had been a part of our club since he was just four years old, growing up alongside his teammates and capturing the hearts of everyone who knew him.'
'There are no words to adequately express the grief we are all feeling. He was a true leader on and off the pitch and a much-loved member of our football family – full of life, talent and joy. His loss leaves a profound void in our club.'
'Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with his mum Kim, his dad Craig, and all of his family, friends, and teammates during this unimaginably difficult time. As a club, we are a community, and we will stand together to support Kim, Craig, Cole's teammates and everyone affected in any we can as we navigate this immense loss together.'
'Rest in peace, Captain Cole.'
Sarah Ashton commented: 'Bless you Cole. So incredibly sorry to hear you lost your tremendous fight. Rest in peace brave boy and much love to your mum and dad and family and all the boys at the club. Remembering you tonight, Robin and family.'
Gaz Jones wrote on Facebook saying: 'Our Green Army is a man down. Cole you were such a fighter. You did everyone so proud against the odds.'
'You brought laughter and brightness wherever you went and without you it'll always maybe be a little bit quieter, calmer but definately darker. A young man who left such wonderful impressions on so many.'
'Sleep tight Cole.'
Stuart Maddox penned: 'Absolutely gutted and heartbroken for Kim Leighton and family, young cole was a great kid and i loved coaching him he was always smiling always full of energy always wanting to learn and no matter how much i tried to tire him out in the gym he was always wanting to carry on specially wen he was beating me up in the ring, he will be massivly missed he was brave litrle warrior who fought to the very end, life is so precious so make the most of your time with your loved ones R.I.P Little champ forever 11 years old.'
Tane Schofield said: 'RIP Cole Leighton and so sorry to Kim Leighton and family'
Stacey Yates said: 'My thoughts and love are with Kim Leighton, Craig Taylor, Jessica Taylor, Ebony Taylor, Callum Taylor, and all the family, love you all so much. Fly high cole forever 11.'
