Heartbroken father of Jordan Banks says his donated organs have helped save three other children since he was killed in lightning strike as he pays tribute to his ‘perfect’ son
- Liverpool star James Milner paid tribute to Jordan Banks, calling him ‘A special boy taken far too soon’
- Milner had praised him months earlier for raising over £2,500 for charity in a video that delighted him
- Blackpool Tower lit up in tribute to nine-year-old Jordan who died after being struck by lightning this week
- Police were called to a football field following reports the child had been injured late on Tuesday afternoon
- The young boy was named locally as Jordan Banks, nine, in tributes to him laid at the scene and from friends
- Jordan did the fundraising in honour of his uncle who had taken his own life to go to mental health charities
The heartbroken father of nine-year-old Jordan Banks says his donated organs have helped save three other children since he was tragically killed in a lightning strike.
An emotional message on behalf of Matt Banks was posted on Facebook on Thursday night, two days after his son suddenly died while on a playing field.
Footballers and MPs have been among those to pay tribute to Jordan, from Blackpool, who was a keen fundraiser for charities, even at such a young age.
Now his father has revealed the youngster’s selfless actions have continued even after the untimely tragedy.
The post read: ‘I couldn’t have been prouder of him, always putting other people [before] himself, such a selfless little person.
‘Even now his kindness has meant that three other children may be able to live, as he always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could, so [he] was a donor and has donated, which we know will be what he wanted.’
Mr Banks explained how Jordan’s main passions were his beloved Liverpool FC, martial arts comedy-drama Cobra Kai and fashion, joking that he used to change his outfit three times a day.
He added: ‘Literally words can’t even explain how heartbroken I am… not only have I lost my little boy I have lost my little best mate. We would sit and talk for hours about his future and he would always ask me what I wanted his children to call me and we both decided on papi…
‘So the real message I wanted to put across is that I never took anything for granted and I always made sure we had quality family time and did whatever I could to show him how much he was loved and how special and beautiful he was.
‘So what I ask of anyone with children cherish every moment even moments that seem to insignificant right now.. picking them up from school, putting them to bed at night, making them a drink have tea time together.. as you never know when moments like that will be taken away from you.
‘It only feels like yesterday I was making Jordan a brew, putting him to bed, getting kisses, squeezing him and playing with him. Don’t take any time for granted as you may end up wishing you had more like me!
‘So please please if you are busy and they might want to play a game or watch something with you just find time because it’s priceless.’
The heartbroken father of nine-year-old Jordan Banks (pictured together) says his donated organs have helped save three other children since he was tragically killed in a lightning strike
Matt Banks, pictured with tragic son Jordan, urged other parents to maximise ‘priceless’ time with their children after the tragedy
Remembering young Jordan, his heartbroken father said: ‘Not only have I lost my little boy I have lost my little best mate’
Mr Banks explained how Jordan’s main passions were his beloved Liverpool FC, martial arts comedy-drama Cobra Kai and fashion, joking that he used to change his outfit three times a day
An emotional message on behalf of Matt Banks was posted on Facebook on Thursday night, two days after his son suddenly died while on a playing field
Matt Banks’ emotional tribute to tragic son Jordan in full
I’m not one for putting my personal life all over Facebook but after seeing post after post about Jordan and receiving hundreds of messages I felt it was time to say something and share the pictures I know he would have liked rather than the ones all over the news.
Jordan was and is the most amazing little person he had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone, and when parents say they have the best kid ever, he GENERALLY was the best ever and if I ever could have asked for a perfect child that was my Jordan.
I couldn’t have been prouder of him always putting other people [before] himself, such a selfless little person. Even now his kindness has meant that 3 other children may be able to live as he always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could so was a donor and has donated which we know will be what he wanted.
One of Jordan’s passions was Liverpool but that was probably more me forcing it on him… his other passions one of many was martial arts, and fashion (he would change his outfit 3 times a day which used to annoy Jen because of the amount of washing), but he always made sure he looked trendy and liked his outfit.
His favourite T-shirt was his Cobra Kai top as he was obsessed with Cobra Kai. He always wanted his Liverpool or Cobra Kai top on and would not be happy if they weren’t clean… he was allowed one question relating to Cobra Kai an hour as otherwise our day would of spoke about it all day and everything always related with it and went back to it.
Literally words can’t even explain how heartbroken I am.. not only have I lost my little boy I have lost my little best mate. We would sit and talk for hours about his future and he would always ask me what I wanted his children to call me and we both decided on papi…
So this is the real message I wanted to put across is that I never took anything for granted and I always made sure we had quality family time and did whatever I could to show him how much he was loved and how special and beautiful he was.
So what I ask of anyone with children cherish every moment even moments that seem to insignificant right now.. picking them up from school, putting them to bed at night, making them a drink have tea time together.. as you never know when moments like that will be taken away from you.
It only feels like yesterday I was making Jordan a brew, putting him to bed, getting kisses, squeezing him and playing with him. Don’t take any time for granted as you may end up wishing you had more like me!
So please please if you are busy and they might want to play a game or watch something with you just find time because it’s priceless. Please share this with other parents as a little reminder of how special and precious time is with your children
I wish I could explain more of what I want to say but I’m not very good with words and my heart is literally broken but I felt it necessary to write this as I never thought I would feel and go through this and I hope nobody else has to.
Tributes have flooded in for the youngster this week, with Liverpool star James Milner also getting involved on Thursday, citing the club’s famous motto by telling him: ‘You’ll never walk alone.’
The team vice-captain, 35, paid his respects to Jordan in a message just months after he had praised him for his fundraising heroics.
Alongside a picture of Jordan, Milner said: ‘A special boy taken far too soon. RIP Jordan, YNWA.’
In January Milner had first got in touch with him after he heard he ran 30 miles to raise over £2,500 for a local mental health organisation.
The young lad decided to do it in honour of his Uncle Reece, who took his own life in 2018 and would have turned 30 this year.
Milner told him: ‘Hi Jordan, how’s it going? I’ve heard that you’re doing an amazing thing in raising funds for counselling in honour of your uncle Reece. I think running a marathon is an incredible feat, and it’s difficult with people doing it with legs a lot bigger than yours, but to do 30 miles is incredible.
‘I heard you get called Mini-Milner because you’re very determined, so that’s an amazing skill to have. Never ever give up and I hear you’ve been out in all weather fighting in the cold and the rain, so you keep going, and keep doing what you’re doing mate.
‘Just remember you’ll never walk alone. All the boys are behind you and I’ll send you a couple of shirts – one for yourself for doing an amazing thing and another that you can hopefully raise a bit of money from and put it towards all the money you’re raising. Well done bud, it’s an amazing achievement and you should be very proud.’
Last night Blackpool Tower illuminated red tonight in tribute to Jordan after he died on Tuesday after being struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool on School Road at 5.05pm after a storm suddenly hit without warning.
In a message officials wrote: ‘Tonight, the Blackpool Tower is lit up in red. Yesterday our community lost one of its brightest lights, so this evening we stand alongside Jordan Banks family, friends and our community to remember a remarkable young man.’
The moving scenes came after the schoolboy’s family today paid tribute to their ‘brightest star’ who was their ‘everything’.
In a statement, Jordan’s devastated 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. We thank you all for your kind words and support but as a family ask that you respect our wishes and privacy.’
Today hundreds paid tribute to the fundraising hero, who left sweets for 999 workers during lockdown and ran 30 miles to fundraise for mental health charities in honour of his uncle who took his own life, by posting nine ball emojis on Twitter.
Police officers said enquiries are ongoing but it was believed the youngster was hit by a lightning bolt.
Jordan, played as number 7 for the Clifton Rangers Bees Under 9s side, and was having one-on-one coaching at the time.
His stepfather was watching from the car when the tragedy struck and today a family member sank to his knees and sobbed at the spot where the lad was hit before leaving a bouquet of flowers.
His mother, father, stepfather and other family members hugged each other as they left the tributes.
James Milner paid tribute to Jordan Banks in an emotional post on Twitter alongside a picture of the fundraising hero
Blackpool Tower lit up in red tonight in tribute to nine-year-old Jordan Banks who died on Tuesday after being struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool
Liverpool fan Jordan played as number 7 for the Clifton Rangers Bees Under 9s side and the club gave an emotional tribute
Hundreds paid tribute to inspirational Jordan Banks today by posting nine ball emojis on Twitter after he died on the sports pitch on School Road at 5.05pm last night after a storm suddenly hit without warning
Jordan, pictured with his mother Danielle on January 16 in Blackpool, celebrating running over 30 miles in 10 days, in honour of his uncle who had taken his own life
Jordan, nine, was a charity hero who raised money for a mental health cause in honour of uncle
Floral tributes at Stanley School to pupil Jordan Banks, who was killed by lightning on a football field as he received coaching
Jordan’s best friend CJ Campbell, nine, paid tribute to his pal by leaving a football and flowers
Tributes have poured in for the nine-year-old boy who was ‘hit by a lightning bolt’ while playing on a football pitch in Blackpool
Flowers and messages (above) have been left at what is believed to have been the spot where the boy was struck by lightning
Pictured: One of the hundreds of supportive messages, flowers and tributes left by well wishers at Common Edge playing fields in Blackpool
A spokesperson for Clifton Rangers JFC said: ‘Jordan of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved. 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.’
Jordan’s best friend CJ Campbell, nine, paid tribute to his pal by leaving a football and flowers. He was travelling home from the Lake District when he heard.
He said: ‘I am very sad about what happened. Jordan was my best friend and I’m going to miss him. I’ve known him since reception class.
A spokesperson for Clifton Rangers JFC said: ‘Jordan of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved. 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.’
Jordan’s best friend CJ Campbell, nine, paid tribute to his pal by leaving a football and flowers. He was travelling home from the Lake District when he heard.
He said: ‘I am very sad about what happened. Jordan was my best friend and I’m going to miss him. I’ve known him since reception class.
‘We played football against each other. He was very funny and caring and had raised money for charity. He was in my class at school.’
CJ’s dad, Chris, a landscaper, said: ‘Jordan was having a one-to-one coaching session.
‘His step-dad was in the car at the time. It is awful.
‘He was having a coaching session at the time to help improve his game.
‘I feel so sorry for his family and what they are going through.’
Craig England and Jane Murphy, Co-Headteachers at Stanley Primary School, said: ‘Everyone at Stanley Primary School is completely numb today, we have lost a member of our family.
‘Jordan was a bright, bubbly pupil loved by staff and pupils alike. He was a very determined young man which was demonstrated by his charity efforts at the start of the year.
‘His parents and family should be very proud of the young man he had become. He was so friendly and showed great compassion towards fellow pupils.
‘Jordan’s classmates have told us told how funny he was, always cracking jokes. We are beyond devastated that we won’t see his cheerful face again.
‘Our thoughts are with Jordan’s family and will offer them any support we can.
‘When the time is right we will plan a fitting tribute with his classmates and family.’
Meanwhile Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: ‘The whole town is shocked and devastated by the tragic accident that took place on Tuesday night on Common Edge Road playing fields.
‘Our thoughts are with Jordan’s family and friends. I can’t imagine what they are going through but I hope they can take some comfort from the out pouring of love and support from the whole community.
‘Our critical incident team have been at the school offering support to staff and pupils during this difficult time.
‘A dedicated space has been created for pupils who require more support and we will do all we can to assist them.
‘The flag at the Town Hall has been lowered to half-mast and tonight Blackpool Tower and the Illuminations arches will be lit in red as we know he was a keen Liverpool FC fan.’
Jordan Banks with his late uncle Reece, who he started his fundraising drive in his memory after he took his own life
Lightning strikes kill two people in UK a year
Fatal lightning strikes are exceptionally rare in the UK and account for an average of two deaths a year.
Between 30 and 60 people are hit by lightning every year in the UK, according to figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Experts recommend that if the conditions approach, people should take cover inside or in a car with the windows wound up.
Contrary to folklore and generally accepted-advice isolated trees don’t give enough protection.
If you are in the house all non-essential appliances, including the television, should be unplugged to protect against power surges.
Jordan was found with serious injuries before being rushed to hospital but he later died.
The boy is believed to have been at a training session at grounds used by Spirit of Youth FC when it happened, but is not a member of the club.
Club secretary Daniel Pack said: ‘Unfortunately, we don’t know much at the moment. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family involved.’
He added: ‘We are all very upset and saddened by this whole thing. The whole club is shocked.’
The club posted: ‘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.
‘The tragic incident happened on our home ground at Common Edge playing fields but it was not during a club training session.
‘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.
‘We would ask that people respect the privacy of the family at this most tragic of times. Rest In Peace young man.’
Detective Superintendent Nick Connaughton of Lancashire Police said: ‘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.’
Police were called to the sports pitch on School Road at 5.05pm following reports a child had been injured
Officers said enquiries are ongoing but it is believed the youngster was hit by a lightning bolt
The boy was found with serious injuries before being rushed to hospital but he later died
A police spokesman said: A nine-year-old boy has sadly died following an incident on a football field shortly after 5.05pm today.
‘Although enquiries are still ongoing, we believe the boy was struck by lightning. Our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this sad time. School Road has reopened.’
Police officers and an air ambulance were seen on the football pitches, shortly after a sudden thunderstorm hit the area.
A rapid response vehicle, an air ambulance van and four police vans were still at the scene around 6.30pm.
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