Mourners line streets to pay tribute to fund-raising hero, nine, killed by lightning at football
Mourners line streets and Liverpool don special shirts to pay tribute to fund-raising hero, nine, killed by lightning at football training
- Jordan Banks, nine, was killed by a lightning strike as he played football last week
- A parade of cars and bikes was held in his memory along Blackpool’s promenade
- Hundreds of people, many holding Liverpool scarves and banners, attended
A parade of about 100 vehicles drove along Blackpool’s promenade today in honour of tragic Jordan Banks who was killed by a lightning strike as he played football last week.
Hundreds of mourners turned out for the event in Lancashire to remember the nine-year-old who died on a football field when a thunderstorm suddenly hit without warning last Tuesday.
Several were holding flags and scarves of Jordan’s favourite side Liverpool as cars, vans, lorries and bikes drove by, with one carrying the message ‘Fly High Jordan.’
Another referenced his time with Clifton Rangers’ Junior FC side.
The parade was held in memory of Jordan Banks, nine, who was killed when he was hit by lightning
Scores of people turned out for the event held in his memory, with many holding aloft Liverpool scarves
The convoy along Blackpool’s promenade included cars, bikes, lorries and a tractor
One wellwisher said: ‘The hour long convoy on Blackpool promenade to celebrate gorgeous little Jordan Banks is amazing.
‘The fundraising, the flowers, the tributes. The whole town behind the family in such a horrendous time speaks volumes.’
And another added: ‘Really sad day today in Blackpool. Convoy of trucks, cars, bikes, police. Everybody coming together for Jordan Banks who died last week.’
Earlier Blackpool Tower was illuminated with the Anfield side’s red colour in tribute to the schoolboy.
Footballers and MPs have been among those to pay tribute to Jordan, from Blackpool, who was a keen fundraiser for charities, even at such a young age.
Earlier this year he raised £3,000 for a mental health by runninf 30 miles in ten days in honour of his uncle.
Last week Liverpool donned special shirts in his memory ahead of their victory at Old Trafford.
A lorry flies balloons aloft for little Jordan Banks, who died aged nine this week
The convoy included this lime green car, as well as lorries, a tractor and several motorbikes
Earlier this weekend Jordan’s father Matt Banks, who a family friend revealed was sitting just yards away from his son when the tragedy happened, revealed Jordan’s organs have saved three children.
He had earlier said in a post put up by a friend: ‘’I couldn’t have been prouder of him, always putting other people [before] himself, such a selfless little person.
‘Even now his kindness has meant that three other children may be able to live, as he always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could, so [he] was a donor and has donated, which we know will be what he wanted.’
Last week Liverpool wore special shirts before their victory over Manchester United
Mr Banks explained how Jordan’s main passions were his beloved Liverpool FC, martial arts comedy-drama Cobra Kai and fashion, joking that he used to change his outfit three times a day.
He added: ‘Literally words can’t even explain how heartbroken I am… not only have I lost my little boy I have lost my little best mate. We would sit and talk for hours about his future and he would always ask me what I wanted his children to call me and we both decided on papi…
‘So the real message I wanted to put across is that I never took anything for granted and I always made sure we had quality family time and did whatever I could to show him how much he was loved and how special and beautiful he was.
‘So what I ask of anyone with children cherish every moment even moments that seem to insignificant right now.. picking them up from school, putting them to bed at night, making them a drink have tea time together.. as you never know when moments like that will be taken away from you.’
