'Heartbroken' family pay tribute to girl, six, killed by tree falling at her school

A six-year-old girl who died after being injured by a falling tree at school has been named and pictured.

Ella Henderson was rushed to hospital following the incident at Gosforth Park First School, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Friday afternoon but died on Saturday morning.

Following Ella's tragic death, the family set up a fundraising page for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, who responded to the incident, and the page has already raised more than £49,000 in her name.

On Tuesday Ella’s family issued a heartfelt tribute to their beloved daughter and sister.

The family said: “Ella is our beautiful baby girl now and always.

The six-year-old died when a tree fell on her at school (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

“We want to say a heartfelt thank you to the teachers, emergency services and the staff at the RVI who did everything they could to help her.

“We are truly humbled by all the support and donations, even from people we have never met before.

“She was so brave and so strong, she brought so much joy to us, her big sister Abi, her family, her besties and all who she met.

“We feel incredibly blessed to have had her in our lives. We had the perfect family and she will live on in our hearts.”

Appealing for donations, Ella's mum Vikki Henderson wrote on the fundraiser: "This is not a post I thought I would ever be writing my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to Great North Air Ambulance Service.

"I've chosen this charity because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope that you'll consider contributing as a way of celebrating with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal. I've included information about Great North Air Ambulance Service below.

"To provide the best possible care to critically ill or injured patients. On average, it takes a seriously ill or injured patient over an hour to see a consultant in a hospital.

"The Great North Air Ambulance Service can take the consultant to the seriously ill or injured patient in less than 15 minutes."

Detective Inspector Steve Byrne, from Northumbria Police, said: “This was an incredibly tragic incident and our thoughts go out to Ella’s family and loved ones at this unbelievably difficult time.

“We will continue to offer them any support they need, and they have asked that their privacy is respected as they grieve the loss of Ella.”

Following the incident an investigation was launched with police working in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive.

To make a donation visit here.