Hartley Wareham, the two-year-old brother of Exeter City footballer Jayden Wareham, has died after a swimming pool accident in Spain. He was found unresponsive by his parents at the family's holiday villa on June 29 and died in hospital on July 3.
Fundraiser launched for memorial bench
Hartley's father, Darren Wareham, has launched a JustGiving fundraiser to commission a custom Hey Duggee bench in his son's memory, describing the character as 'Hartley's absolute favourite thing in the world'. Exeter City has publicly backed the campaign, stating: 'The Wareham family are fundraising to create bespoke Hey Duggee Bench in memory of their son Hartley, who tragically passed away at just two years old. The bench will be a special place where they can sit close to him and remember the wonderful moments that were shared.'
An inquest heard that Hartley's parents performed CPR before an ambulance was called, and paramedics restored his heartbeat. He was placed on life support but died four days later at Hospital Materno Infantil. A full inquest is due at a later date.
Family's tribute
The fundraiser reads: 'Our beautiful little boy, Hartley, sadly passed away at just 2 years old. In his short life, he filled our world with more love, laughter and happiness than we ever thought possible.' The family noted that friends and relatives had enquired about making a donation, and rather than flowers or gifts, they feel a memorial would be 'a lasting tribute to the happiest little boy'. Any surplus funds will go towards bereavement counselling. More than £2,300 has been donated.
