An 11-year-old girl who went missing at a Midlothian woodland park has been found dead in a river, leaving her father "broken" by the sudden loss.
Search and discovery
Faith Curran was reported missing at Gore Glen Woodland Park, near Gorebridge, shortly after 12:40pm on Thursday, August 6. A police-led search of the surrounding woodland and river was launched, and she was later discovered in the Gore Water near Shanks Bridge.
Police said her death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and enquiries remain ongoing. Faith, who was due to start high school, leaves behind her father, Joe, and her younger brother, Jude.
Community fundraising
The local community has united to raise funds towards her funeral costs. Family friend Rebecca Campbell said Joe had been left "broken" by the sudden loss of his daughter.
She said: "After speaking with Joe, neighbours, friends and family have decided to set up this gofundme page in memory of Faith. Sadly Faith passed away suddenly as the result of a tragic accident while out exploring with family and friends.
"Faith was 11 years old about to start her next adventure into high school, she was a happy adventurous little girl and has been taken far to soon."
Leaving behind her dad Joe, and little brother Jude. As a community we aim to raise as much funds as possible to help the family at this heartbreaking time. Whether it be for funeral costs, a memorial or even for Joe and Jude to have some time away in the coming months.
"We ask that you give no matter how little it may be, any fundraising you can do in faiths memory would be much appreciated and on behalf of Joe and his family he is terribly grateful. Lets help give Faith the send of she deserves or help a broken dad let some stress of his shoulders."
Family tribute and support
In an earlier statement released through Police Scotland, Faith's family, who reside locally, described her as a "happy, adventurous and outgoing girl who enjoyed life".
A GoFundMe page established in the schoolgirl's memory has so far raised £2,500 towards a £4,000 target. The Gore Water river flows through the park, which overlooks the Pentland Hills to the south of Edinburgh.
Colin Beattie, the MSP for Midlothian North, previously said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a young girl at Gore Glen Woodland Park."
"My thoughts are with her family, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. To donate to the fundraiser visit: www.gofundme.com/f/faith-curran."
