Friends and family are planning a ride from Shoebury Park skatepark to Shoebury High School on Saturday, April 30.

At the end, they will release balloons to celebrate Ryan’s life.

The day will also raise money from a raffle, along with the GoFundMe page which has already been set up in Ryan’s memory.

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So far more than £16,000 has been raised - three times the original fundraising target - with part of the money planned to go towards a memorial bench at Shoebury Park, preferably at the spot where Ryan used to go fishing.

Ryan, 12, died on Monday, March 28 at Shoebury High School. The cause of his death is unknown.

Moving tributes from friends and the wider community have continued to be paid to the Year 7 student on the fundraising page.

One person wrote: “I, like many others, was devastated when I heard the news.

“I can’t begin to image the pain Ryan’s family and friends are suffering at the moment.

“From one Shoebury mum to another, I wish you lots of love and healing at this awful time.”

A former teacher of Ryan’s added: “Ryan was such a sweet and happy boy, that I had the privilege of teaching.

“I am incredibly sorry for your loss.”

A third wrote: “My boys went to the same school and that little lad deserved to enjoy his school days too.

“As a parent, I can’t even begin to imagine the sorrow they are feeling today and forever.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the JustGiving appeal for Ryan and his family should visit bit.ly/387ofJf