In a heartrending display of community support, a fundraiser for seven-year-old William Brown, who tragically...

Published: 3:34 pm December 9, 2023
Updated: 11:21 am October 8, 2025
Tragic Hit-and-Run in Kent: Seven-Year-Old Boy Killed, Suspect Bailed

In a heartrending display of community support, a fundraiser for seven-year-old William Brown, who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run in Sandgate, near Folkestone, has raised over £6,000 in less than four hours.

Tragic Incident

  • William Brown was fetching his football when he was struck by a car on Wednesday evening.
  • A man has been arrested and bailed in connection with the crash.

Fundraising Efforts

  • William’s mother, Laura Brown, launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of over £10,000 to give William “the send-off he truly deserves.”
  • By 2:30 pm on the same day, the fundraiser had already received £4,850 in donations.

Family’s Message

  • Mrs. Brown expressed gratitude for the support and urged everyone to share William’s love and kindness.
  • William’s father has requested that his son be buried at the Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe in Folkestone, a place of peace for William.

Community’s Reaction

  • The fundraiser has seen an outpouring of donations, with almost 200 people contributing, including two £1,000 donations.
  • William’s father, also named William, made a poignant appeal for information from his son’s bedroom.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

  • Police are investigating the fatal collision involving two vehicles.
  • A suspect was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges including causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail.

Tributes and Memorials

  • Floral tributes have been placed outside William’s home in Sandgate Esplanade.
  • St Mary & St Eanswythe Church has opened a book of condolences and invites the public to light candles in memory of William.

Community Support and Grieving

  • The community has rallied in support of the Brown family, demonstrating the collective mourning and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy.
  • The family’s grief is palpable, as they remember William as a “gentle” and “wonderful child” full of life and loved by all.

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