A schoolboy has paid a touching tribute to his best friend who died suddenly in his sleep last month.
Mason Fahey, 12, lost his friend Alfie Humphreys, 11, in February, with Alfie's death causing widespread sadness.
His mother Davina Fahey said Mason has been “struggling” with grief since learning of Alfie’s death but his response to that pain has filled her with “pride”.
Mason turned his efforts to helping Alfie’s family members by raising funds so when the time comes they can have some “comfort”.
He told his mum: “I want to make them feel better”.
The selfless Ormiston Chadwick Academy (OCA) pupil and “massive” Liverpool FC fan even wore the blue of Alfie’s favourite team Everton FC to promote his raffle.
His custom T-shirt featured his friend’s name “Alfie” on the front with the Everton crest and “I’m wearing blue just for you!” on the back.
And when he learned that another Widnes youngster had lost his mother to cancer, following the death of Danielle Kelley, 30, Mason decided to split the money he’d raised with her family too.
Davina, 37, said Mason needs to know how “amazing” he is and how proud she is.
She said: “He’s struggling but raising money for the family, that’s his own way, it’s given him a coping mechanism.
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“He’s known Alfie since they were both in nursery, eight years, around that.
“Then the same primary school and they joined OCA together in September.
“It’s heartbreaking isn’t it. It’s bad enough for an adult to lose a friend but for a child, it’s heartbreaking.
“He just wanted to raise some money for the families affected by the passing of Alfie.
“He’s asked them to spend it on themselves when they’re ready to, to bring some comfort - he managed to raise £1,000 in four days.”
Mason’s actions have been widely praised.
Davina said: “I’ve had random people saying how proud they are.
“With everything that’s going on I want Mason to know he’s done a really good thing for his family.
“I want to get it out there how proud I am of him.”
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Alfie’s father Wayne Humphreys and mother Nicola Whitfield have also relayed messages of appreciation to Mason.
Davina said: “She wants Mason to know what he’s done is amazing.
“This will give him that subtle boost to know he’s done something amazing.”
Alfie’s dad Wayne declared Mason an “absolute diamond” with a “heart of pure gold”.
Anyone wishing to donate to fundraiser in aid of Alfie's family can still donate to the separate appeal launched by Linzi Davies at https://uk.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-alfie-humphreys
