Convoy in Blackpool to be held in memory of Jordan Banks

A convoy in memory of a boy who died after he was struck by lightning will travel through Blackpool this Sunday.

Nine-year-old Jordan Banks was playing football on the playing fields off School Road in the town on Tuesday when it happened.

Since then, there's been an outpouring of tributes on social media for the Liverpool fan, with #RIPLittleMan trending on Twitter.

The boy was also a big charity giver raising money for a local counselling service after his uncle passed away.

A fundraiser to support his family was set up initially aimed at raising £3,000 and has now raised over £80,000.

Donations from the procession this weekend will go towards the same fundraiser.

The convoy will leave the Norbreck Castle Hotel at 3pm and travel along the length of the promenade, making its final way to the field where Jordan died to lay flowers.

Leon Corrigan, one of the organisers behind the convoy and the fundraiser, said: "We wanted to do it after the tragic news, to lift the spirit in Blackpool and the family and the friends around Jordan.

"He was such a young boy who was giving anything to the community, he was leaving sweets on police cars for the officers during covid.

"This little boy has done so much for the community, so we're just giving him what he should have got back."

Leon said the response to the convoy had been overwhelming: "Marshall police motorbikes, marshall vehicles, there's HGVs with flashing lights on, breakdown vehicles, heavy recovery vehicle trucks from throughout the region all attending to take part in this massive convoy."

Leon paid thanks to his team of organisers behind the event: Dave hall, Marcus Bancroft, Tony Coleman and all the other people making this Sunday happen.

In a statement released the day after he died, Jordan’s family said: "Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star our beautiful boy Jordan.

"His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything.

"Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy. We thank you all for your kind words and support but as a family ask that you respect our wishes and privacy."