The family of two-year-old Hartley Wareham are raising money for a memorial bench inspired by his favourite TV series after he died following a swimming pool tragedy in Spain.
Details of the incident
Hartley Wareham, the younger brother of Exeter City forward Jayden Wareham, died earlier this month. An inquest, which opened this week, heard Hartley’s father pulled him from the water and began CPR as neighbours called an ambulance.
Paramedics restored his heartbeat before he was rushed to hospital, where he was placed on life support and given intensive treatment. But his condition deteriorated and he died five days later.
Fundraiser launched
Hartley’s father, Darren Wareham, has since launched a JustGiving fundraiser for a bespoke Hey Duggee memorial bench in his son’s memory.
Paying tribute to the toddler, the fundraiser says: “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.
“Hartley’s absolute favourite thing in the world was Hey Duggee, and his favourite place to be was always out in our garden, exploring, playing and smiling. To honour his memory, we are creating a bespoke Hey Duggee memorial bench that will sit proudly in the garden he loved so much.
The fundraiser continues: “It will be a special place where we can sit close to him, remember the wonderful moments we shared, and find a little comfort on the days when missing him feels overwhelming.”
Community support
Darren said friends and family had asked if there was somewhere they could donate in Hartley’s memory. Instead of flowers or gifts, the family felt a memorial would be something truly meaningful and “a lasting tribute to the happiest little boy, in the place where he made so many precious memories”.
The family added any money raised beyond the cost of the memorial will go towards bereavement counselling to help the family “move forwards together” as more than £3,500 has already been donated.
Exeter City FC has backed the fundraiser after previously saying it would support Jayden “through this very difficult time” and asking for the Wareham family’s privacy to be respected.
Backing the appeal, the club said: “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.”
The family added: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support. Knowing that so many people loved Hartley and continue to keep his memory alive means more to us than words could ever express. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our little boy.”
