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Boy, 9, killed in lightning strike left sweets on police cars to cheer officers up during lockdown

Jordan Banks had placed chocolates and sweets on police cars to cheers officers up during the pandemic.
Jordan Banks had placed chocolates and sweets on police cars to cheers officers up during the pandemic.

A nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning used to leave treats on police cars to raise officers' spirits during lockdown, it has emerged.

Jordan Banks was hit by lightning while playing football in Blackpool on Monday, and later died in hospital.

Tributes have poured in for the youngster, including from the England football team, who on Thursday offered their "heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies" to his family.

It has also emerged that Jordan raised £3,000 for a mental health charity in memory of his uncle earlier this year, and left sweets for police officers on their cars during lockdown to cheer them up.

Jordan Banks (9) pictured on January 16, 2021 in Blackpool, celebrating running over 30 miles in 10 days to celebrate what would have been the 30th birthday of his uncle Reece Begg, who killed himself two years ago.  See SWNS story SWLElightning.  Tributes have been paid to a nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning during a football coaching session.  The child, who has been named locally as Jordan Banks, was injured when a thunderstorm hit as he was on a playing field in Blackpool on Tuesday evening.  Flowers and messages of condolence have been left at the scene.  Jordan played for Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, who described him as
Jordan Banks, who died after being hit by lightning, left sweet treats on police cars to cheer up officers during lockdown, it has emerged. (SWNS)

In January, Blackpool officers shared a picture of Jordan thanking him for the gesture on social media, writing: "Blackpool Team 3 have done some investigation work and managed to track down who has been leaving sweet treats on our vehicles.

"We want to say a massive thank you to Jordan! You have most definitely cheered us up today."

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The England football team have offered their condolences to Jordan's family, described his death as "so sad".

England Football tweeted: "We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Jordan Banks’s family and all those affected by this terrible tragedy."

Photo taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @Lancashiredron1 of Blackpool Tower lit up on Wednesday night in commemoration to Jordan Banks, who died after being struck by lightning. His family have paid tribute to him, saying
Blackpool Tower lit up on Wednesday night in commemoration to Jordan Banks (Twitter/Lancashiredron1)

Blackpool Tower was lit up red in honour of Jordan, who was reportedly a Liverpool fan, and the club also paid tribute to the schoolboy, along with midfielder James Milner.

In a statement released by Lancashire Police, the youngster's family said: "Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star our beautiful boy Jordan.

"His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything.

"Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy."

Jordan Banks raised money for charity in January by running over 30 miles in 10 days to celebrate what would have been the 30th birthday of his uncle Reece Begg, who killed himself two years ago. (SWNS)
Jordan Banks raised money for charity in January by running over 30 miles in 10 days to celebrate what would have been the 30th birthday of his uncle Reece Begg, who killed himself two years ago. (SWNS)

Two GoFundMe pages have been set up in memory of the youngster, with one raising more than £50,000 by Thursday morning.

Banks was described as "a shining light and inspiration to everyone" by his football club.

In a statement on Facebook, the Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club said: "It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart we announce that the tragic incident yesterday involved one of our own players.

"Jordan of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved.

The statement continued: "Jordan was a shining light and an inspiration to everyone that he met. A strong, determined and courageous young man, who will be missed by everyone.

"The world has truly lost an extraordinary young man, who had done so much good in his community."

MPs also paid tribute to Jordan during a House of Commons debate on community football.

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