The family of a young boy who tragically died after being struck by lightning have donated his organs to save three other children.
Per Blackpool Gazette, nine-year-old Jordan Banks of Blackpool, England, was in the middle of a one-to-one football training session at a local playing field when he was struck early evening on Tuesday, May 11.
Now, Jordan's dad, Matt Banks, has explained how his "selfless" son has become an organ donor posthumously - with the aim of saving the lives of three other children.
Jordan "would do anything for anyone", his father said in a heartfelt Facebook statement posted on his behalf yesterday (May 13).
Banks said in the post: "He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone, and when parents say they have the best kid ever, he [genuinely] was the best ever and if I ever could have asked for a perfect child that was my Jordan.
"I couldn’t have been prouder of him always putting other people himself, such a selfless little person."
The father then explains how his young son continues to help people even after his tragic death.
Banks said: "Even now his kindness has meant that three other children may be able to live, as he always told us he wanted to be able to help other people if he could. So was a donor and has donated which we know will be what he wanted.
"Literally words can’t even explain how heartbroken I am. Not only have I lost my little boy I have lost my little best mate. We would sit and talk for hours about his future and he would always ask me what I wanted his children to call me, and we both decided on papi."
"I never took anything for granted and I always made sure we had quality family time and did whatever I could to show him how much he was loved and how special and beautiful he was," Banks added.
The father went on to say that he hopes no one else will ever have to endure the pain he is enduring.
The grieving father continues: "What I ask of anyone with children cherish every moment, even moments that seem too insignificant right now. Picking them up from school, putting them to bed at night, making them a drink have tea time together.
"As you never know when moments like that will be taken away from you. It only feels like yesterday I was making Jordan a brew, putting him to bed, getting kisses, squeezing him and playing with him."
The post continued: "Don’t take any time for granted as you may end up wishing you had more like me! So please, please, if you are busy and they might want to play a game or watch something with you just find time because it’s priceless."
Months before his death, Jordan had run a marathon in honor of his uncle, Reece Begg, who took his own life in 2018.
Per the Blackpool Gazette, Jordan managed to raise more than $3,200 (£2,300) for a local counseling facility, which provides mental health services to 110 locals each week.
The youngster was fatally struck during an unexpected thunderstorm that had reportedly not been forecast by the UK's national weather service, the Met Office. Following the accident, he was taken to hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Our thoughts are with Jordan's friends and family at this difficult time.
