Boy's funeral 'a celebration of a short but lovely life'

Published on Friday 30 July 2010 19:30

A TODDLER who drowned after toppling into a garden pond in one of Edinburgh's most affluent suburbs will be laid to rest today.

•Charlie Berry, pictured on a family holiday this month, died after falling into a garden pond

Three-year-old Charlie Berry, from Kelso, died after falling into the water while visiting a property in the city's Murrayfield area.

He was rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to resuscitate him.

Charlie's devastated parents, Brian and Julie, said today's funeral at Kelso North Parish Church will be a "celebration of his short but lovely life".

Yesterday at the family home in Kelso, Mr Berry could only say: "It was just a tragic accident, I do not want to say any more."

Mrs Berry added: "We are devastated".

Charlie is survived by three brothers, Daniel, 13, Oliver, 11 and Robbie, eight.

Mrs Berry posted a brief tribute to her son her on her page on the Facebook social networking site two days after the tragedy.

It said: "Charlie Stephan Berry 22.04.07 22.07.10 sadly lost following a tragic accident, always in our hearts."

A message posted on Wednesday said: "Hi all, thanks so much for all your messages of support. Funeral is going to be on Saturday 31 July, 11am at Kelso North Parish Church. Dress in colourful clothes, it's a celebration of his short but lovely life."

Charlie's family have asked any donations to be made to the Special Care Baby Unit of the Borders General Hospital and the Sick Kids Hospital.

One friend, Fiona Mower, posted a Facebook message saying: "So shocked to read your news, cannot imagine what you are all going through.

"Thinking of you and sending lots of love."

Another, Lisa Henry, added: "Charlie was only here for a little while, but the time he was here he made everyone smile.

"He'll be in our hearts for ever."

One friend, responding to a query about what had happened to the youngster, said: "Just a horrible accident."

The Rev Tom McDonald, who will conduct the funeral service, said: "It is all really very deeply saddening indeed.

"What can you say about a wee laddie who struggled so much to make it into this world, only to have his life taken from him at such a young age?

"He was 12 weeks premature and I know Julie and Brian want tomorrow to be a celebration of his short life.

"I would expect the service to be very busy."

The incident happened last Thursday, but was only made public yesterday.

Details of the property where the accident happened are not being released by the emergency services. The Scottish Ambulance Service refused to comment on the tragic accident yesterday, referring inquiries to Lothian and Borders Police.

A spokesman for the force said: "Lothian and Borders Police and paramedics were called to an incident in the Murrayfield area of Edinburgh on Thursday, 22 July relating to a male child who had fallen into a garden pond.

"The three-year-old was taken to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children, but was unable to be resuscitated.

"A full investigation was carried out surrounding his death and the circumstances confirmed as non-suspicious.

"The family have requested the media respect their privacy during this difficult time."

Another three-year-old boy drowned after falling into a garden pond at his home in Hampshire in May this year. An inquest heard that Rodney Lawrence had been "fascinated by the fish" in the 5ft deep water feature.

His body was discovered by a friend after his parents told neighbours he was missing.

They had looked in the pond, but did not see him lying at the bottom.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded.