Accidents happen every day, but when these happen to young children, it’s just plain tragic. This was exactly what happened to Jordan Banks.
The little boy had a freak accident and his parents were inconsolable when he lost his life. However, they decided to do the selfless thing and donated his organs.
So, what’s the story behind this heroic yet heartbreaking circumstance?
Jordan Banks was playing football on a field in Blackpool. Nobody thought the day would turn out otherwise. He was simply with other children, having fun. Then, a thunderstorm came and hit the area that evening. Jordan’s dad, Matt Banks, talked about his son on a Facebook post and said that his son’s “kindness has meant that three other children may be able to live.” He also talked about how Jordan was an “amazing little person” with “the biggest heart”.
Gone too soon, that’s what everyone thought. This nine-year-old boy died not too long after being struck by lightning during the football coaching session. He was injured as he was playing field in the Common Edge Road area of Blackpool. The thunderstorm that hit the Lancashire town had claimed this innocent young boy’s life.
They immediately called for help and the Lancashire Police said he was immediately taken to hospital. Unfortunately, he did not survive the ordeal. The Spirit of Youth Junior FC talked about the incident and said that they use the field often. They said that Jordan had been taking part in a private coaching session then.
Police further explained that although inquiries were still ongoing, the cause of death was the lightning strike. Det Supt Nick Connaughton said about what had happened, “This is a truly devastating incident and our thoughts are wholeheartedly with the family and friends of the young boy who has passed away, at this very sad and distressing time.”
The Spirit of Youth club also spoke in the Facebook page said, “It is with deepest regret that we have to report the news that the young boy who was struck by lightning earlier this evening has sadly passed away. They further shared, “As a club, we are heartbroken and we offer our deepest condolences to the boy’s family. Spirit of Youth is a family and we are entrenched in the local community, and we will give whatever support is required to both the family and to those that were with him at the time. Rest in peace young man.”
The club secretary Daniel Pack said that there were three teams that had been scheduled to train that evening. However, the sessions had been cancelled because of the incoming storm. Still, Jordan had been there despite the weather.
Police said that the moment he was struck, the family was immediately alerted about what had happened and were being given support by the officials.
Immediately after Jordan had been struck, he was taken to hospital. He sustained serious injuries from the experience and had died a short time later. Two crowdfunding pages were set up to help his family who was deeply affected by what had happened. They were able to raise more than £82,000 from it.
Jordan’s family was moved and grateful by the help they got. The dad talked about his son and said that he was “the brightest star” and “our worlds stopped” when “we lost our beautiful boy”.
In a Facebook post through a family friend, Jordan’s father talked about his son. He said that the young man “always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could”.
He further explained, “Not only have I lost my little boy, I have lost my little best mate.” According to him, Jordan was “such a selfless little person” and he “could not have been prouder of him”.
Flowers, footballs, football shirts, and messages of condolence were brought to the playing field soon after. The community also wanted to show their support. They also have been posting nine footballs on social media as a tribute to the boy because he was an enthusiastic Liverpool FC fan. They also used the hashtag #RIPLittleMan.
When the news hit the rest of the country, the Liverpool FC’s players paid tribute to Jordan as well and wore shirts with his name written on them. They did this while they were warming up for their game against Manchester United. Moreover, Lancashire’s Sunday league clubs also made plans to hold a minute’s silence to pay him homage.
You’ll Never Walk Alone, Jordan Banks ❤️
Nicknamed ‘mini-Milner’ by his coaches, Jordan was a brilliant person, as well as a passionate footballer. We’re all thinking of his loved ones tonight ❤️
⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/E4XOkIHYTE
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 13, 2021
Jordan was praised for his fundraising efforts earlier after he raised £3,000 for a mental health charity. He did this to honor his uncle by running 30 miles in 10 days.
Jordan had played for Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club when he was alive. His teammates talked about him and described him as “an extraordinary young man”.
Upon Jordan’s death, the flag at Blackpool town hall flew at half-mast. The Illuminations arches were lit up as well. However, the tribute didn’t just end there. The family decided to donate three of his organs to the three children needed it. Even in death, the boy continued to change and improve lives.
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