Footballer’s brother, 2, dies after parents find him unresponsive in pool | Football | Sport
Exeter City FC have backed a fundraising campaign for Hartley Wareham. (Image: Getty Images)
The two-year-old brother of Exeter City star Jayden Wareham has tragically died after a swimming pool accident in Spain. Hartley Wareham was found unresponsive by his heartbroken parents at the family’s holiday villa on June 29 and an inquest was subsequently opened into the toddler’s death.
His father is said to have pulled him from the water but Hartley died in hospital on July 3. Exeter has thrown their support behind a fundraising campaign and had previously promised to support Jayden Jayden “through this very difficult time” while urging the public to respect the Wareham family’s privacy.
Hartley’s father, Darren Wareham, has launched a JustGiving fundraiser to commission a custom Hey Duggee bench in his son’s memory, describing the beloved children’s animated character as ‘Hartley’s absolute favourite thing in the world’.
Exeter has publicly voiced its backing, stating: “The Wareham family are fundraising to create bespoke Hey Duggee Bench in memory of their son Hartley, who tragically passed away at just two years old.
“The bench will be a special place where they can sit close to him and remember the wonderful moments that were shared.”
The inquest heard that Hartley passed away at Hospital Materno Infantil. Area coroner Alison Longhorn revealed that both his mother and father performed CPR before an ambulance was called, with paramedics successfully restoring his heartbeat and he as taken to hospital.
Hartley was placed on life support, but he passed away four days later. A full inquest is due to be held at a later date.
The fundraiser reads: “Our beautiful little boy, Hartley, sadly passed away at just 2 years old. In his short life, he filled our world with more love, laughter and happiness than we ever thought possible.
“Hartley’s absolute favourite thing in the world was Hey Duggee, and his favourite place to be was always out in our garden, exploring, playing and smiling. To honour his memory, we are creating a bespoke Hey Duggee memorial bench that will sit proudly in the garden he loved so much.
“It will be a special place where we can sit close to him, remember the wonderful moments we shared, and find a little comfort on the days when missing him feels overwhelming.”
Jayden Wareham playing against Manchester City in the FA Cup. (Image: Getty Images)
The family noted that numerous friends and relatives had enquired about making a donation in Hartley’s memory. Rather than flowers or gifts, they feel a memorial would be something truly meaningful and “a lasting tribute to the happiest little boy, in the place where he made so many precious memories”.
Should more funds be raised than are required for the bench, any surplus money will be directed towards bereavement counselling to help the family heal together. More than £2,300 has already been donated.
The fundraiser adds: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support. Knowing that so many people loved Hartley and continue to keep his memory alive means more to us than words could ever express.
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our little boy.”
