Freddie Pritchard, aged nine, a pupil at All Saints School in Wrexham has tragically died suddenly while returning from a holiday to Tenerife with his family still not knowing why
A nine-year-old schoolboy with a “cheeky smile” that “everyone fell in love with” has suddenly died on the way back from a family holiday to Tenerife.
Freddie Pritchard, a pupil at All Saints School in Wrexham, passed away on September 24 with the family on their way home from a trip to Tenerife and they still don’t know the cause of death. He was a keen football fan supporting Wrexham and Liverpool while he also played for Gresford Athletic, where he had been with since he was aged six.
Freddie’s aunt, Jessica Tomlinson 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.”
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. Testament to the young man’s popularity, it has already raised more than £6,000.
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, reported WalesOnline. 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.”
