HEARTBROKEN parents of a teenager who suddenly died in his bedroom have paid tribute to their ‘kind’ son who had a passion for skating.
Harry Cockburn, 16, was found unresponsive by his mother at their home in Laindon on Tuesday, January 2.
At an inquest into the teenager’s death yesterday, at Essex Coroner’s Court, Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray gave the ruling of an open conclusion as she said she could not be sure exactly what happened in Harry’ bedroom.
Mum Sarah Billington, 35, and dad Martin Cockburn, 38, who lives in Wickford, told the Echo Harry was a very keen skater and his passion took him to skate parks across the UK and even Europe.
His skating skills meant he had a good following online and social media with more than 16,000 followers on Instragram and many videos of him skating on Youtube.
His mum Sarah, said that the James Hornsby School pupil will sadly missed by people around the UK and the world, who followed him for his skating abilities.
She added: “He was quite a character and a strong lad and was always achieving things early, such as walking and talking early.
“He loved sports, his skating was a big passion of his, but he also loved football and badminton. Harry also was always helping people, he would help people at school who were being bullied and also people at the skate park who needed help with their skating.”
Mr Cockburn said how the family has been raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital after Harry was cared for there when he was nine-years-old because he suffered a liver deficiency.
The family held a riding event called Ride For Harry at Adrenaline Alley in Croydon, an indoor skate park, which raised about £700 with the event.
Ms Billington said that James Hornsby School has put up a plaque in Harry’s name and is planning to place a bench in his memory. To donate to the cause visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and search for Harry Cockburn.
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