Exeter City FC supported a fundraising campaign for Hartley Wareham. (Image: Getty Images)
Exeter City star Jayden Wareham’s two-year-old brother has tragically died in a swimming pool accident in Spain. Hartley Wareham was found unresponsive in the family holiday home by his heartbroken parents on June 29, after which an inquest into the toddler’s death was opened.
Her father is said to have pulled her from the water, but she died in hospital on July 3. Ms Exeter has thrown her support behind the fundraising campaign and previously vowed to support Jayden “through this very difficult time”, while asking the public to respect the Wareham family’s privacy.
Hartley’s father, Darren Wareham, has launched JustGiving, a fundraising campaign to create a bespoke Hey Duggee bench in his son’s memory, describing the beloved cartoon character as “Hartley’s favorite thing in the world”.
Exeter publicly expressed their support, saying: “The Wareham family are raising money to build a bespoke Hey Dougie 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 great moments they shared.”
The inquest heard that Mr Hartley died at Materno Infant Hospital. District Coroner Alison Longhorn said the father and mother performed CPR before an ambulance was called, and paramedics were able to restore a heartbeat and the boy was taken to hospital.
Hartley was placed on life support, but died four days later. A full inquest will be held at a later date.
The fundraiser reads: “Our beautiful son Hartley has sadly passed away at just two years old. In his short life, he filled our world with more love, laughter and happiness than we ever thought possible.
“Hartley’s favorite thing in the world was Hey Duggee. His favorite place was always to be out in our garden, exploring, playing and laughing. To honor his memory, we are creating a custom Hey Duggee memorial bench that will sit proudly in the garden he loved.”
“This will be a special place where we can sit close to him, remember the wonderful moments we shared, and find a little solace on days when we miss him so much.”
Jaden Wareham plays against Manchester City in the FA Cup. (Image: Getty Images)
The family noted that many friends and relatives had inquired about donations in Hartley’s memory. They feel that more than flowers or gifts, the memorial is truly meaningful and is “a lasting tribute to the happiest boy in a place where he made so many precious memories.”
If more funds are raised than needed for the bench, the excess funds will go toward bereavement counseling to help families heal together. More than £2,300 has already been donated.
The fundraiser says, “We are deeply grateful for your kindness, generosity and support. Knowing that so many people loved Hartley and are keeping his memory alive means more to us than words can express.”
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our little boy.”
