Leonna Ruka, aged 7, who lost her life in Chalkwell Park

On Saturday, 28 June, a tragic incident occurred in Chalkwell Park, Southend-on-Sea. During what should have been a joyful afternoon, a large, ageing tree near the rose garden partially collapsed, striking a group of children.

Other people in the park at the time, including local cricketers, rushed to help, trying to lift the heavy branches off the trapped children in an act of community bravery.

Emergency services arrived quickly to the scene, including two Air Ambulances, who all worked incredibly hard to treat the children and take them to hospital.

Sadly, a seven‑year‑old girl tragically lost her life. Her family now faces an unimaginable loss.

If you wish to donate in memory of the little girl, these funds will be offered to the family to help cover:

Another six‑year‑old remains in a critical condition in hospital and it is proposed that she, and her family, are also supported by these community funds, when appropriate.

The grieving family will be contacted through appropriate channels when the time is right, to ask for their preferences. An update will then be published.

100% of the funds raised will remain within this GoFundMe fundraiser account until the family decide in their own time how they wish for them to be used.

This fundraiser was set up after many suggestions and requests from the Southend community. It is being facilitated by YourSouthend