The kindness of strangers has helped to raise over £10,000 in memory of tragic County Durham teenager Jamie McKitten.
The 17-year-old, from Great Lumley, was struck and killed by a train on Wednesday.
His death has rocked the community, with flowers and loving messages left at Chester-le-Street station for the youngster who family friends said on Friday was the "light in the room".
Fresh tributes have since been paid via a GoFundMe page launched to help cover the teenager's funeral costs, with an extra £3,000 pounds donated between Friday and Saturday.
The donations include £300 from staff at Roseberry Primary School, in Chester-le-Street, which was gifted long with a message stating: "You touched our hearts with your beautiful smile.
"You’ll never be forgotten. Sleep tight Jamie."
Friends have also been "turning Facebook green for Jamie" since his sudden death. The colour, and specifically a green ribbon, is the international symbol for mental health awareness.
Even though she said he always had a twinkle in his eye, family friend Linda Marshall said Jamie's short life was plagued with heartbreak.
Aged just four, he witnessed his mum Kelly being murdered by his dad, Stuart Cummings, who was jailed for life in 2008.
"Poor Jamie just couldn't get over what he witnessed," added Linda, a Labour councillor for Chester-le-Street.
And his heartbreaking story has clearly hit home with people who didn't even know him. To date, well over 500 people have donated cash, many of them strangers.
"We didn't know you but you clearly touched the hearts and souls of many," wrote Zoe Broadbelt, who generously donated £25.
"Life is so unfair at times. You’ll live on in all those who had the pleasure of knowing you - you’ll never be forgotten judging from all these lovely tributes"
Another who didn't know him personally, Devin Brown, added: "I’ve lost people in the same type of way, and I know it’s not easy.
"I wish the family well, and hope they can continue to cherish his memory. May he rest in peace."
Those who did know him though paint a picture of a well-mannered, kind and popular young lad who gave up his own time to help others.
"He was just the light of the room when he came in, a lovely bairn," added Linda.
"People loved him."
To donate, please visit here.
