James death: family thanks community for support - Photos

A number of events have been held in the town following the death of James Goodship (17), a talented teenager with a passion for outdoor activities. These include a lantern release and a run at Lake Burwain.

A memorial bench has also been bought after a fund was set up in James’ name, and many local businesses, mosques and schools have been paying their own special tributes to the former Colne Park High School student.

Now his proud mum Melanie Goodship (40) has thanked everybody for the overwhelming level of support shown to her and to the rest of James’ family, including his dad Pete (45) and siblings Lauren (19) and Thomas (7).

The civil servant said: “If it hadn’t been for the support, we are not sure we would be as strong as we have been. It has helped us as parents to help them get through this process.

“As a family we do draw great comfort from going up to the res and seeing how the whole community has pulled together. The amount of flowers is unbelievable. There are also Liverpool shirts, flags, and letters.

“James’ friends have been so respectful, and they have just been amazing. It helps them keeping busy, and helps them with their grief. How everybody has pulled together is heartwarming and it really has helped.

“I am biased, but I know James would have done exactly the same for his friends. He was such a kind-hearted and generous lad, he would have done what he could.”

The efforts of Pendle’s young people during such a heartbreaking time has been praised on various social media sites. including Facebook and Twitter.

One of James’ best friends Liam Menmuir (16), who organised the run, various collections and open water safety talks at schools. said: “We would just like to thank everybody who has supported us. The events have been going well, and we feel relieved that it is not only us who care.”