Dozens of people gathered on bicyles for a ride out on Saturday in tribute to a teenage boy who collapsed and died suddenly last week.
Jordon Bell, a pupil at Barnwell School in Stevenage, died last Wednesday – just hours after complaining of backache.
His aunt, Charmain Bell, said: “Jordon fell ill with back pain and late Tuesday evening he collapsed.”
An ambulance was called and 14-year-old Jordon was taken to Stevenage’s Lister Hospital, where he was stabilised and transferred to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London.
Charmain said: “Unfortunately they were unable to save his poor little life. Scans showed a small tear to the main aorta to his heart, which led to his lungs being filled with blood, which was the cause of his back pain.
“Nobody could have known this would lead to us losing our special boy. We are all completely heartbroken and in shock.”
On Saturday, Jordon’s family and friends gathered on bicycles in Stevenage’s Fairlands Valley Park for a ride out in memory of Jordon, who had a passion for bikes.
The event was organised by Jordon’s friend, Danny Turner, who even had T-shirts printed with Jordon’s image and the dates of his birth and death.
On Friday, Danny cycled to collect the T-shirts from the printers in Stevenage and, while inside, his bike was stolen.
His mum, Brenda, said the bike had been chained up. She said: “Poor Danny, dealing with all this in one week, and thinking always of the poor mother who lost her son in such a cruel way.”
She added: “The bike’s very distinctive as it’s a black frame with ‘Greenway’ written in bright green.
“Please let the police know if you see this bike being ridden around or get offered it to buy.”
A JustGiving page has been set up to raise money to help cover the cost of Jordon’s funeral and more than £2,000 has been raised so far.
Charmain said: “As a family we are coming together to support my sister and if you can donate to give Jordon the best send off we would be truly grateful.
“Jordon was loved by many and had a deep part of our hearts. Nothing can explain the loss we are feeling.”
To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charmain-bell.
Anyone with information about the stolen bike should call Herts police on 101.
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