Fundraising bid to set up play park in memory of Hastings toddler, Hughie Pringle

Family and friends of a toddler who died last week have raised more than £30,000 towards a play park in his memory.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Aug 2016, 18:00 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 23:34 BST

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Hughie on his bikeHughie on his bike
Hughie on his bike

Hughie Pringle, from Hastings, passed away on Thursday (August 18).

Since then, his family has been overwhelmed with messages of sympathy and support from well-wishers.

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The youngster’s parents, Jen and Richard, said: “Hughie was a bright shining star who lit up our lives and warmed our hearts.

Hughie with his sister HettieHughie with his sister Hettie
Hughie with his sister Hettie

“He may have only been with us for a short time but what he has left us with is a lifetime of love, warmth and beautiful memories.

“What’s been incredible is seeing the impact he has had on other people’s lives too and seeing tributes come in from around the world has been truly breathtaking.

“The thing that will remain with us forever though is the way our incredible town has embraced us.

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“The best way to describe it is that Hastings has put its arm around us in our time of need and we will always be grateful for that.”

Hughie’s godparents, Emma and Stephen Drinkwater, also paid tribute to the three-year-old.

They said: “We feel so blessed to have been a part of his life and we have so many happy memories that will stay with us forever.

“Hughie lived life at 100mph and was such a happy, cheeky adventurous little boy with a heart of gold.

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“He loved his cars, motorbikes, family holidays in their caravan, as well as eating green macaroons in the Old Town.

“Hughie also loved doing lots of arts and craft and baking with his mummy and being an amazing big brother to his baby sister Hettie.

“He loved spending time with his daddy be it at the Lamborghini showroom in London or on his shoulders while he worked. Hughie will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.”

A fundraising page on gofundme.com has been set up called Hughie’s Play Park Fund towards a play area, as Hughie loved climbing and swinging in Alexandra Park and up in the country park.

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Some of the events which have raised money towards the cause have included a candle-lit vigil in Alexandra Park, as well as numerous fitness events over the the weekend.

On Wednesday (August 24) there will be a huge fitness event at the running track at William Parker Academy in Parkstone Road from 6.30pm.

For more information click here.

Stephen added: “There has been a #wearredforHughie celebration, as red was his favourite colour, with local teams wearing red including Hastings Priory CC, Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club, along with family and friends who have turned Facebook red.”

A Facebook page has been set up in Hughie’s memory which can be found by clicking here.

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To donate to Hughie’s Play Park Fund, visit www.gofundme.com.

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