Fundraiser supports Consett teen Aaron Anderson’s funeral

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Aaron Anderson

Aaron Anderson, from Consett, suffered fatal injuries when a John Deere Gator utility vehicle overturned on a farm in Burnopfield, off the B6310, on December 21, shortly before 8:30 PM. He was rushed to the RVI in Newcastle but sadly died on Boxing Day.

Fundraiser Launched for Family Support

A GoFundMe campaign was set up by family friend Anne Campbell on December 30 to support Aaron’s mother, father, and brother during this difficult time. Anne, 47, stated that the fundraiser aims to ease the financial burden of funeral arrangements while the family grieves.

Anne said, “When you have kids, the last thing on this earth that you think about is paying for their funeral. It’s the most unnatural thing in the world, losing your child.” She added, “I watched Aaron being born, and I was there at the end. It hasn’t been easy for all of us. His mum and dad, Donna and Craig, have been incredible throughout everything.”

She continued, “They’re just thinking of other people and making sure everyone else is okay. Nobody would’ve batted an eyelid if they had fallen to pieces, but they haven’t.”

Aaron Remembered by Family and Friends

Aaron’s family described him as a “cheeky chappie who was always smiling and would never fail to brighten up your day.” They said, “He will be missed by all who knew him.”

Messages of support have poured in on social media, with many donating or sharing the fundraiser. So far, 197 people have donated, raising £7,675.

Family Expresses Gratitude

Aaron’s father, Craig Anderson, expressed the family’s gratitude to those who have supported them. He said, “Thank you to everybody who, especially in the current climate, have gone out of their way to donate or like or share. We’re absolutely grateful to every single person.”

Safety Message for Young People

The family urges young people to be careful when in fields and to wear helmets when working on or near farm vehicles. Anne said, “Even if one kid thinks his life is more important than his street cred it could make a difference.”

Future Charitable Efforts Planned

Once the fundraiser surpassed the initial goal of £6,000, Anne and the family decided to donate any additional money raised to charities and hospitals. She stated, “Craig, Donna and I didn’t quite comprehend the level of charity work that goes on in the background. This is just the start of things now; we’ll always continue to fundraise going forward.”

They plan to donate to the Sick Children’s Society at the RVI, Crawford House, and possibly the Red Sky Foundation, among others. Anne said, “It’ll probably turn into a big spider web and we’ll find more charities that make a difference as we continue to raise awareness.”

She thanked everyone who has donated, saying, “The kindness of people is incredible. When the chips are down, people rally together and we’re all really grateful. We didn’t realize how much we would raise. It’s one less thing for them, so they can concentrate on the things they should worry about.”