Sad goodbye to Jordan

FAMILY and friends of a brave seven-year-old are today preparing to say goodbye to him at a colourful funeral.

Jordon Crane, of Mayflower Avenue, Saxmundham, died in Ipswich Hospital last Friday .

Throughout his short life he touched the hearts of many as he battled to overcome cerebral palsy.

Doctors thought Jordon would never be able to walk or sit up by himself but he astounded them by learning to run up the stairs.

After a mammoth fundraising effort his mum Carol was able to take him to America last year to swim with dolphins.

Groups from all over Suffolk were so touched by Jordon's story that they took part in a variety of fundraising events to collect the £19,000 needed for the trip.

Regulars at the White Hart pub in Saxmundham held a sponsored bungee jump and Mrs Crane completed a sky-dive.

Much of the money was raised by the Blue Boar pub in Oulton, near Lowestoft.

The pioneering dolphin therapy was designed to help Jordon, who could not talk, find his voice and learn to express himself.

By the end of the trip he was able to swim and clap “yes” - thanks to his love of a dolphin called Alfonz and intensive work with occupational and speech therapists.

Speaking after their trip ,Ms Crane said: “It was hard work for him but he did enjoy it.

“He would hold on to the fin with the help of his therapist and they'd whiz round in the water.”

Jordon was a pupil at the Warren School in Lowestoft and his family are requesting that people donate to the school rather than buying flowers for the funeral.

Funeral-goers are requested to wear bright coloured clothes only. The family said: “Jordon smiled his way through life and touched so many people.”

The funeral service will take place at Ipswich Crematorium next Friday.

Would you like to pay tribute to Jordon? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Opinion - page 6.