Tragedy as young footballer, 9, dies on way home from family holiday in Tenerife

A family have told of their heartbreak after a young boy died on the way home from holiday.

Freddie Pritchard passed away on Saturday, September 14, when he was on his way home from a trip to Tenerife, reports WalesOnline. He was just nine years old.

The youngster, from Wrexham, was an avid football fan. He supported his hometown club Wrexham AFC and Liverpool. He also played for local club Gresford Athletic, who he had been with since he was aged six.

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A fundraiser has been organised to raise money towards the cost of Freddie's funeral, with donations also being given to the Cheshire Ambulance Service, the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Alder Hey Snowdrop suite. It has already raised more than £5,000.

Freddie's aunt, Jessica Tomlinson, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "He was the biggest character, and was so funny - he was always having a laugh. Everybody that met Freddie instantly fell in love with his cheeky smile and mischievous ways. He was the biggest character I'll ever meet and nothing will be the same without him. Freddie was the kindest little boy and had so many friends.

"What happened was very, very unexpected. He did not fall ill or anything like that. We have no answers and as of yet we don't have a clue as to what happened. Fred was the best uncle, his brother had a baby, and he idolised Arabella who was his little niece. He learnt how to swim on his holiday, and was so proud of himself, and taught his mum how to swim too.

"Freddie had such a close relationship with all of his cousins who were more like brothers/sisters as they spent nearly every day together and were so close in age. All of the kids are going to miss him so much. As a tribute to Fred, we have planned with All Saints School for a Freddie's buddy bench in school because he wanted everyone to be kind to each other and for nobody to be alone. The school has also planned for there to be a tree to be planted in Forest school because Freddie was so adventurous and loved the outdoors.

"We are very thankful for everybody that has donated to Freddie's GoFundMe and helped raise his target in just over 24 hours. We also want to thank the football community for doing a minute's silence or applause and to the football teams that have done their own donations for our beautiful boy. People will always remember him for being very cheeky and funny. He's such a gorgeous boy. Everyone will remember him for how kind he was - he wanted everybody to be friends, and he had so many friends. Nothing will ever be the same without him. He will always be in our hearts and we will cherish our memories with him forever."

Community 'devastated'

Headteacher of All Saints' School, Richard Hatwood, said the whole school and wider community has been "devastated" by the tragic passing of the year five pupil. He said: "Never without a smile, Freddie was everything and more we could wish for in a pupil of our school. A happy, polite and courteous boy who was friends with pupils across the school, both young and old.

"We shared a special service at All Saints' Church with Reverend Emma and Father Huw and continue to extend our deepest sympathies and wishes to Freddie's family and friends during this tragic time. I could not be prouder of each and every member of our school community. The love, care and support shown this week has supported us all in navigating this very, very difficult period."

A statement from Gresford Athletic read: "Sadly, Freddie Pritchard from our Gresford Athletic Junior Under 10s team has gained his angel wings. Freddie passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning whilst travelling home with his family after enjoying an amazing holiday together."

A message from Matt, his coach: 'As a coaching team, we have worked with Freddie since the age of six when he began his footballing journey with GAJFC. We have seen Freddie blossom as a player, teammate and a lovely person. Freddie was a well-loved member of the team and was developing into a good footballer with a fierce left foot, who scored lots of goals for us. The coaches, players and parents will all miss Freddie dearly, but he will always be with us in our hearts and he won't be forgotten."

Grassroots Football Wales asked the football fraternity of the region to hold a minute's silence in the young man's honour. They wrote in a statement: "We are sure you will agree we felt pain in our hearts even to us who never knew Freddie. Team Grassroots Wales asked for your support and to stand together for Freddie Pritchard's family by showing respect with a minute's silence during the weekend. Team Grassroots Wales was set up replacing Wales Grassroots Hub to support the grassroots community in Wales as one.

"We feel that in such a short time this is exactly what it's doing. As the Welsh nation slogan says 'Together Stronger'. We hope the family and friends of Freddie have felt some comfort during this difficult time."

If you wish to donate towards the fundraiser, you can do so by clicking here.