Promising teen boxer dies in Portugal holiday tragedy days before 15th birthday as heartbroken family pay tribute
A PROMISING teen boxer has died in a holiday tragedy just days before his 15th birthday.
Jack Pollock, from Edinburgh, passed away suddenly in Portugal on Thursday, September 29.
Jack Pollock, 14, died in a holiday tragedy in Portugal[/caption] The promising boxer’s family have paid tribute[/caption]The 14-year-old had been on a family trip with his mum Johan and little brother when tragedy struck.
His heartbroken dad Darryl has now led tributes to the talented schoolboy who was a fierce “protector”.
Writing on Facebook on Saturday, Darryl said: “Birthday boy in 3 days. I love [you] tooo much Jack.
“Shattered broken all in one. I’m here with you and I just wished you were sitting here beside me.”
He added: “Things will never be the same, we never expected this to happen on holiday.
“We need him to be a peace and home. We will bring you home no matter what.”
Darryl also told of his son’s dedication to boxing and his loved ones.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he said: “He was really passionate about his boxing. Even on his days off he was out a run and always gave it 150%, there was no slacking from Jack.
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“I’ll say one thing about Jack and that is the fact he was a protector. All of his friends went to him if they had any trouble as he was their rock.
“If ever you needed anything, he would be the first to dash out of his house and help you out.
“He also loved his music but his passion was being out with his pals.”
Jack’s boxing club also paid a heartbreaking tribute to the teenager.
David Barclay, one of the coaches at Granton Amateur Boxing Club, said he held back tears as he penned words in Jack’s honour
He wrote: “On behalf of myself and everyone at the Granton amateur boxing club we would like to share our deepest condolences with Jack’s family with a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat.
“I can tell you that Jack’s passing has devastated a full community.
“Just under a year ago you walked into my gym full of ideas and mischief a typical teenage boy who absolutely loved boxing.
“As everyone who was involved with Jack would agree this kid had the heart of a lion. In my personal opinion this kid would have went far in the boxing world.
“Jack: you were never a member, you were part of the little family. May God give you the best bed in heaven and everyone hold Jack’s family in their thoughts and prayers. Rest easy wee champ.”
A fundraiser has now been set up by a family friend to bring Jack’s body back safely from Portugal and to give him the best send off possible.
A post on the GoFundMe page, which has already smashed its £5,000 target, said: “On behalf of Jack’s family and close friends, it is with great sadness we announce that our dear friend Jack Pollock died suddenly on Thursday 29th September 2022 at the age of 14.
“Jack was funny, loveable and kind. In his close friendship group he was always making people laugh. He always put his friends first – caring more about others than himself.
“Jack adored his mum and was a dedicated and loyal big brother. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
“With a passion for boxing, he was dedicated to training and being the best. He had a love of CDT and history.
“We are trying to raise money to help Jack’s mum put towards the upcoming expenses.
“We know that no amount of money will ever bring Jack back, but if we can help to ease the pressure and take a little bit of load off the family, then we will try our best.
“If you are financially able and wish to donate, please do so. The family hugely appreciate all of the support.”
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
A Foreign Office spokesman said tonight: “We are supporting the family of a British child who has died in Portugal.”
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