Tributes as 'little warrior' boy, 11, dies months after house fire

The heartbroken family of an 11-year-old football captain who died almost five months after a fire destroyed their home have paid tribute to their "little warrior".

Kim Leighton and her son Cole were rescued but left in a critical condition after the blaze began at their home in Greenwood, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, on 6 January.

Kim is now out of hospital and recovering from her injuries but Cole died on 29 May.

His father Craig Taylor described him as "the bravest, strongest boy we will ever know", adding: "You said I was your lucky star, now you are mine."

He said medics fought hard to save him and had to give him large skin grafts but he also suffered complications with his liver.

"My heart is broken, life is so cruel," he said.

"You deserved so much more Cole. I don't know why we were chosen to go through this, but one thing I do know Cole is you're the bravest, strongest boy we will ever know.

"My little warrior - we'll be forever proud of you.

"Thank you for fighting so hard for us. We will never ever stop loving you. I'm so glad we got to be your mummy and daddy."

There was also an outpouring of messages for Cole online, including by Charnock Richard FC, where he was captain of the under 12s team.

They said his death had left a "profound void in our club".

"Cole had been a part of our club since he was just four years old, growing up alongside his teammates and capturing the hearts of everyone who knew him," the club said on its Facebook page.

"There are no words to adequately express the grief we are all feeling. He was a true leader on and off the pitch and a much-loved member of our football family – full of life, talent and joy.

"Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with his mum Kim, his dad Craig, and all of his family, friends, and teammates."

A fundraising page has been launched to help towards the coast of his funeral.

Kelly Harrison, who set it up, said it was "to be able to give Cole the most amazing send off ever like he deserves".

An investigation into the cause of the fire was launched by Lancashire Police but there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

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