MOURNERS were gathering today to say their final farewells to a seven-year-old Ipswich boy who lost his life in a fire at his home.Anton Fox's funeral was being held at St Thomas Parish Church, in Bramford Lane, Ipswich, close to where the youngster lived with his mother Ester, four brothers and sisters in Marlow Road.
By Amanda Cresswell
MOURNERS were gathering today to say their final farewells to a seven-year-old Ipswich boy who lost his life in a fire at his home.
Anton Fox's funeral was being held at St Thomas Parish Church, in Bramford Lane, Ipswich, close to where the youngster lived with his mother Ester, four brothers and sisters in Marlow Road.
The Handford Hall Primary School pupil died when a fire engulfed a bedroom of the family's council home at around 1am on January 3. It is thought to have started from an electric heater being used in the bedroom.
The service comes at a time when a fund for the family has raised nearly £600 by customers of two local shops and school children raising a further £300.
Kind-hearted regulars of Ulster Avenue News and Whitehouse Takeaway put change in a collection tin and together raised the money in ten days.
Paul Emmett, who had earlier offered the use of his shop as a collection point, said: "The response was incredible. We have been inundated. People had car loads of stuff for the family, including a three piece suite.
"They money raised is around £350 which could go towards the cost of the funeral."
Meanwhile customers of Whitehouse Takeaway raised £229, which has been passed to the family to help with funeral costs.
Others who have helped include Ipswich and Norwich Co-op who donated a washing machine for the family. A group of pupils from Westbourne High also stepped in and organised an event which raised a further £300.
n Although the Ulster Avenue News collection point is officially now closed the family are still in need of some items. This includes kitchen items, such as cutlery, crockery, a blender, plus furniture.
If you have any kitchen items or furniture to donate please contact the Star newsdesk on 01473- 282257.
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