More than £14,000 has been raised in less than 24 hours for the family of 8-year-old Joshua Slater after he tragically died in a car accident in Catterick Garrison.

More than 800 donations have come in, taking the sum raised well beyond the initial £2,000 target.

People have been leaving kind messages for Joshua’s family when making their contributions.

The Northern Echo: Joshua Slater

North Yorkshire Police put out a statement yesterday (September 6) explaining that the 8-year-old had been hit and killed by a white Land Rover at Catterick Garrison.

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Conor Jackson organised the fundraiser and he said: “We at Catterick Garrison Football Centre are raising funds to help with the costs of young Joshua Slater who unfortunately lost his life in a tragic car accident on the evening of the 5th of September.

“We cannot even begin to think about how Kirsty and her family are feeling at this devastatingly difficult time.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to you all.”

Mr James McGuire left a touching message on the fundraiser: “With deepest sympathy and love from the Catterick Village Junior Football Club family.

“Absolutely tragic news. Thinking of you all at this sad time.

“Here to support in anyway we can.”

North Yorkshire Police have put out an appeal for any witnesses of the incident.

A spokesperson previously said: “Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after an eight-year-old boy died following a collision in Catterick Garrison last night (Tuesday 5 September).

“Officers were called by the ambulance service at 5.49pm to Somerset Close following a report that a child pedestrian had been involved in a collision with a white Land Rover Discovery Sport.

“Tragically, the boy died at the scene from his injuries.

“The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

“At this time, no arrests have been made and the driver of the vehicle is assisting us with our enquiries.

“Officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the collision or saw what happened to get in touch.

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“If you have not already spoken to officers, please get in touch if you can help with information including dashcam footage or doorbell CCTV footage of the vehicle or the collision itself.

“Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to email Nicola.Peters@northyorkshire.police.uk 

“Or call 101 and pass information for incident number 12230168003”

If you want to donate to the fundraiser, click here.