British teenager dies just days before 15th birthday in Portugal holiday tragedy
- Jack Pollock from Edinburgh died while on holiday with his mother and brother
- The teenager was described as ‘full of ideas and mischief’ by heartbroken father
- The family are raising funds to bring his body back safely to the UK
A teenage boxer has died on a family holiday just days before his 15th birthday.
Jack Pollock, from Edinburgh, died suddenly in Portugal on Thursday while away with hit mother Johan and his younger brother.
The schoolboy was described as ‘full of ideas and mischief’ by his Granton boxing club and his father Darryl paid tribute to the fierce ‘protector’.
Teenage boxer Jack Pollock from Edinburgh has died on a family holiday just days before his 15th birthday
He said: ‘Shattered broken all in one. I’m here with you and I just wished you were sitting here beside me.
‘Things will never be the same, we never expected this to happen on holiday.
‘We need him to be a peace and home. We will bring you home no matter what.’
Darryl also spoke of his son’s talent for boxing and described him as a ‘rock’ for his friends.
He told Edinburgh Live: ‘He was really passionate about his boxing. Even on his days off he was out a run and always gave it 150 per cent, there was no slacking from Jack.
‘I’ll say one thing about Jack and that is the fact he was a protector. All of his friends went to him if they had any trouble as he was their rock.
‘If ever you needed anything, he would be the first to dash out of his house and help you out.
The schoolboy was described as ‘full of ideas and mischief’ by his Granton boxing club and his father Darryl paid tribute to the fierce ‘protector’
‘He also loved his music but his passion was being out with his pals.’
David Barclay, a coach at his amateur boxing club, also paid an emotional tribute to the teenager.
He said: ‘On behalf of myself and everyone at the Granton amateur boxing club, we would like to share our deepest condolences with Jack’s family with a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat.
‘I can tell you that Jack’s passing has devastated a full community.
‘Just under a year ago you walked into my gym full of ideas and mischief a typical teenage boy who absolutely loved boxing.
‘As everyone who was involved with Jack would agree this kid had the heart of a lion. In my personal opinion this kid would have went far in the boxing world.
‘Jack: you were never a member, you were part of the little family. May God give you the best bed in heaven and everyone hold Jack’s family in their thoughts and prayers. Rest easy wee champ.’
A fundraiser has been set up for the family to help them bring his body back to the UK.
A fundraiser has been set up for the family to help them bring his body back to the UK
More than £7,000 has already been donated to the family.
They wrote: ‘On behalf of Jack’s family and close friends, it is with great sadness we announce that our dear friend Jack Pollock died suddenly on Thursday 29th September 2022 at the age of 14.
‘Jack was funny, loveable and kind. In his close friendship group he was always making people laugh. He always put his friends first – caring more about others than himself.
‘Jack adored his mum and was a dedicated and loyal big brother. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
‘With a passion for boxing, he was dedicated to training and being the best. He had a love of CDT and history.
‘We are trying to raise money to help Jack’s mum put towards the upcoming expenses.
‘We know that no amount of money will ever bring Jack back, but if we can help to ease the pressure and take a little bit of load off the family, then we will try our best.
‘If you are financially able and wish to donate, please do so. The family hugely appreciate all of the support.’
A Foreign Office spokesman said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British child who has died in Portugal.’
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