A COMMUNITY has donated nearly £9,000 in a week to create a lasting tribute to a young boy who died in a collision with a school minibus.

Samuel Barker (right), aged seven, had just arrived home from Osbaston Primary School in Monmouth on Monday afternoon, January 13, when the tragic accident happened outside his house on the Hereford Road near Manson Lane.

A JustGiving fundraising page set up by family friends Chris and Jo Walker “to show our support to the Barker family” totalled £8,923 by yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, January 21), way beyond its £5,000 target.

The Walkers said: “So many of us are heartbroken and would like to help in some way. Jim and Cat (Sam’s parents) would love that out of this tragic event, there would be ripples of good.

“These donations will all be used in memory of Samuel. For example: a memorial at Osbaston School like a Bible Garden with a new bench and climbing frame and the family’s spiritual and emotional well-being.

“We have no idea and no expectations for how people may give – if this target is exceeded, Jim and Cat would be delighted and honoured to choose to support charities close to their heart with any excess.”

In a tribute released the day after his passing, Samuel’s parents remembered their “happy” child with a “zany sense of humour” who was one of three brothers.

Jim and Cat Barker said: “On 13th January 2020, our beloved son Samuel Barker, aged seven, tragically died in a road traffic accident.

“Samuel had a glowing personality and a slightly zany sense of humour!

“He was always on the move, a happy active child who loved toy cars, climbing trees, the great outdoors and especially skiing and ski lifts!

“As a family, we are upheld and sustained by our faith in Jesus. While we wish we might have had longer with Samuel, we know that he is now with the Lord Jesus Christ in eternal peace.

“Samuel himself had a real faith. Some months ago he wrote these words: “I trust in Jesus. I am so excited to go to heaven.” We all look forward to seeing him there too.

“Samuel will be great- ly missed by his school friends, his church family and most of all by his two adoring brothers, Mum and Dad, and very loving wider family.”

The tragic incident happened as children returned home from school around 3.40pm on the A4666 road to Hereford, on the outskirts of Monmouth.

The 45-year-old dri-ver of the minibus involved in the collision, who is from Gloucester, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and later released under further investigation.

More than 10 emergency vehicles raced to the crash scene between the Manson Lane turn off and the former Buckholt Church, and the main road was closed to traffic into the late evening from Monmouth School for Girls to Welsh Newton while police investigated.

Gwent Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage from the area around the time of the collision, to call 101 quoting reference 2000014860 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Osbaston Primary headteacher Catherine Jones and the school governors also paid tribute to Samuel last week, saying the school was “coming to terms” with the loss of the little boy, who she described as “lively and always smiling”.

“We are hugely saddened by the loss of our pupil,” she said.

“This lovely little boy was a huge part of the school life, lively and always smiling.

“The whole school community is coming to terms with this tragic news and we are holding our memories of a very popular little boy, full of character and energy.

“He will be missed by all of his friends with whom he loved playing tag and football.

“His family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. He will be deeply missed by all.”

A tribute from Monmouth Baptist church, where the family worship, said: “On Monday 13th January, seven-year-old Samuel Barker was involved in a tragic road accident and has sadly died.

“It is a big shock for his family who belong to our church, and who are looking to the Lord to give them strength and comfort.

“We will all certainly miss Samuel who, though seven years old, had a clear and real faith in the Lord Jesus and in the certainty of heaven.

“This has been a great comfort to his family who are grateful for the love, support and prayers of the fellowship.

“Please pray for the family to be upheld through this difficult time and for the church as they draw strength from the truth and hope that is in the Good News about Jesus for times like this.”

To donate to Samuel’s tribute fundraiser, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/samuelbarker