Benwell explosion tragedy: Help pours in for parents of Archie York
Fundraising drives have been launched to support Archie York's family following the tragic explosion in Benwell's Violet Close in which the seven-year-old lost his life
by Sophie Doughty · ChronicleLiveMoney is being raised to support the heartbroken parents of schoolboy Archie York who lost his life in the Benwell explosion. The seven-year-old was killed in the blast, on Violet Close, which also claimed the life of Jason Laws, who was in his 30s.
Since the tragedy, which happened early on Wednesday morning, a number of online fundraising pages have been launched to support those affected by the explosion, with thousands of pounds flooding in. Meanwhile, donations of clothes and supplies have been collected at West End community centres to help those that have lost their homes and belongings.
Archie's nana, Maxine Baxter, has raised more than £4,000 after launching a page on the online fundraising site, GoFundMe. And in an emotional post on the page Maxine told of the family's devastation.
She said: "I wouldn't normally do anything like this but as a family we need help to make sure Archie has a wonderful send off, which he deserves. Archie lights any room up wherever he goes. This is one little angel who didn't deserve to gain his wings this early and we as a family lost the most precious thing in the world who got ripped away from us, our little Prince Archie."
Meanwhile a page has also been launched to raise money for Archie's parents. Lisa Bagnall, who has collected £1,900 so far, said: "Beautiful, loving family who have tragically lost their beautiful son Archie in an explosion in their home. Though money won’t make up for the loss of their child and home, we hope it may help them in furnishing a new home in time."
Investigations are continuing to establish what caused the blast, which happened at around 1am on Wednesday and left a number of homes destroyed. Meanwhile tributes have been paid to both Archie and Jason, who was known as Jay.
Posting on Facebook, Jay’s brother Joseph Laws said: "One thing I can say, you have been the best big brother I could ask for. You would be willing to die for me and protected me the past 30 years even when I didn’t need [to be] protected anymore.”
Jay was described by his brother as the “best dad in the world” as he said he would remind his brother’s kids and promised “they will grow up to be respectful proper adults and not miss out on anything”.
Archie's aunt, Abbie York, also shared a tribute on Facebook, writing: “Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, and caring little boy. We all love you so much little man, you didn’t deserve this.”
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