A THURROCK bus company has had to pass on the heartbreaking news that the six-year-old child of one of its drivers, Ricky Weatherley - who it was fundraising for - has passed away.

The Purfleet-based Ensign Bus Company had nominated the boy and his family as recipients of any excess change it received due to the 'no change' fare policy it put in place because of coronavirus social distancing guidelines.

The change was being donated to a fund to enable Freddy, who suffered from a rare cancer, to go on a dream trip to America with his dad, mum Alice and little sister Freya.

Tonight (Monday, 1 June) the company announced that the youngster has passed away.

A statement says: "Freddy was incredibly strong and brave throughout his treatments, it was thought he'd turned a corner but things took an unexpected turn for the worst and sadly he passed away.

"We now intend to donate some of the excess change to contribute towards Freddy's funeral and the family will choose a charity for the rest to go to."

A statement on the fundraising page for Freddy tells the story of what happened.

It reads: "Sadly in the early hours Saturday , 23 May 2020 Alice and Ricky had to say their goodbyes to their amazing son Freddy who in the short six years of his life had touched so many people's hearts and also fought the biggest battle with Neuroblastoma since the age of four.

"Freddy was on a trial after he relapsed in December and the trial was going very well until Thursday, 21 May. Freddy went for his regular mibg scan, and unfortunately it wasn't the news that Alice and Ricky had hoped for. After the scan, it showed he had relapsed quite badly in his brain.

"On Friday, 22 May Freddy went down for a MRI scan to see if Great Ormond Street Hospital could place a shunt/drain to release the pressure and fluid or if surgery was a possibility and sadly another massive blow to Alice and Ricky, they were told that it was worse than first thought. It was all down his spine too and Freddy was given days rather than weeks. Sadly Freddy deteriorated very quickly and passed away with Alice and Ricky by his side.

"Because of the current pandemic Freddy never got to spend his last days with his little three-year-old sister Freya, who he adored. They had the most magical and loving relationship."

The fundraising appeal for Freddy is still open and will be used to meet his funeral costs and any excess will go to a charity of the family's choice. If you wish to donate you can do so here.