Tributes to toddler who drowned in pond during visit

Published on Saturday 31 July 2010 13:40

THE FRIENDS and family of a three-year-old boy who drowned after falling into a garden pond in the Capital have paid tribute to his short life.

Charlie Berry fell into the water while visiting a house in Murrayfield last Thursday.Paramedics were called to the scene and Charlie was rushed to the Sick Kids Hospital but he was unable to be resuscitated.

Today, his parents Brian and Julie, and brothers Daniel, 13, Oliver, 11, and Robbie, eight, were due to say their final farewells to the youngster, who survived being born 12 weeks premature, near to their

home in Kelso, Roxburghshire.

Charlie's father Brian said: "It was just a tragic accident, I do not want to say any more."

His mother Julie added: "We are devastated." Kelso North Parish Church minister Reverend Tom McDonald said that the family, who have asked the congregation to wear brightly coloured clothes, wanted the service to be a celebration of his life.

He said: "It is all really deeply saddening. 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."

In the days following Charlie's death, Julie set up a Facebook page with pictures showing the happy youngster playing on a beach while on a trip to Lewis.

One family friend, Nicola Tait, said: "Will be thinking about you too – sing his favourite nursery rhyme."

Commenting on a picture showing Charlie having a good time, Lynne Murray Hogsflesh, said: "Oh, this is so like him...always happy & smiling...good luck over the rainbow bridge wee man."

Another friend, Fiona Ferguson, added: "Absolutely devastated to hear about Charlie. He was a wee cracker and will always be remembered."

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said: "Police and paramedics were called to an incident in the Murrayfield area of Edinburgh on Thursday, July 22 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 asked any donations to be made to the Special Care Baby Unit of the Borders General Hospital and the Sick Kids Hospital.