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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Katie Weston

Boy, 12, dies after collapsing at school leaving family suffering in 'unimaginable pain'

A heartbroken family has paid tribute to their "precious son" who died after collapsing on a playing field at school.

Joshua Lloyd, 12, was found in a critical condition at Telford Langley School on Friday afternoon as onlookers desperately tried to revive him.

He was rushed to the Princess Royal Hospital but, despite the efforts of paramedics, died shortly afterwards.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious and said ambulance crews responded to a "medical emergency".

Joshua's relatives have now described their "unimaginable pain".

A tribute from his family said: "We gather here today to honour the precious life of our Joshua, a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend who brought endless joy and love to all those around him.

Joshua's family said he "touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him" (gofundme)

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of Joshua's untimely passing at the tender age of 12.

"His infectious laughter, kind heart, and boundless enthusiasm touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him."

A JustGiving campaign has been launched in Joshua's memory to help his parents "arrange a proper farewell for their precious son".

It has raised over £6,600 at the time of writing.

His family added: "We would like to express our deepest appreciation to each and every one of you who has reached out with kind words, prayers, and unwavering support.

"Your love and solidarity have brought a glimmer of light during this darkest hour, and we are eternally grateful for your presence in our lives."

In a statement, the school's headteacher, Steve Carter, paid tribute to the "charming and kind" pupil.

He said: "Joshua Lloyd was a lovely young man and an excellent student. He was a charming and kind boy, popular with his peers and the staff, with a fabulous future ahead.

His family paid tribute to the schoolboy's "infectious laughter, kind heart, and boundless enthusiasm" (justgiving)

"His time was tragically cut short, and we cannot express just how much sympathy we feel for his family and friends at this time.

Local councillor and leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Shaun Davies, also told the Mirror: "The news of Joshua’s passing has really touched our community.

"As a dad myself, I can’t begin to imagine how his family are feeling. My heartfelt condolences are with them, with his friends and with the whole school at this terribly difficult time.

"The way people have rallied together to support the family financially is incredible and I’d like to thank everyone for the kindness they’ve shown.”

Friends and parents of pupils also sent their condolences, writing: "He was an amazing friendly little boy who was a great person inside and out. Thinking of you all."

Another person said: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Fly high beautiful boy. You're so loved. Thinking of all your family at this difficult time."

And a third wrote: "Rest in peace beautiful boy."

Joshua, 12, was found in a critical condition at Telford Langley School on Friday afternoon (BPM Media)

West Midlands Ambulance Service said they were called to reports of a child who had collapsed at a school.

A spokesman added: "The first ambulance arrived six minutes after the call and was backed up by a second ambulance, a paramedic manager and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford.

"On arrival, crews found a patient in a critical condition, already receiving medical support from bystanders. Crews took over and provided advanced care to the child before he was taken on blue lights to Princess Royal Hospital.

"The doctor and critical care paramedic on the aircraft travelled with the ambulance crew on the way to hospital, where medics were on standby to receive the child.

"Sadly, shortly after arrival at hospital it became apparent nothing could be done to save the child despite everyone's best efforts and he was confirmed deceased."

West Mercia Police shared their condolences with the pupil's family.

The force said: "West Midlands Ambulance Service alerted us that they were responding to a medical emergency involving a child at a school in Telford.

"Tragically the child died in hospital that afternoon. His death isn't being treated as suspicious. The thoughts of all of us are with his family and friends."

The Mirror has approached Telford Langley School for comment.

You can donate to the fundraiser set up in Joshua's memory here.

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