Family stunned by road accident loss (From Stroud News and Journal)

Family stunned by road accident loss

THE family of an 11 year-old boy who died after he was involved in a road accident in Woodchester, have paid tribute to his 'kind, generous and very loving' nature.

Relatives of Scott Cook said the youngster's death, just hours after he was involved in the accident near the Old Fleece pub at Rooksmoor on the morning of Friday April 1, had stunned everyone who knew him.

Coming to terms with the loss of their only son, parents Diane and Russell Cook said their lives had been enriched for having known Scott.

"Scott was so special to us," they said.

"He was a kind, generous and very loving boy. He was so sensitive towards others and totally unique.

"We are absolutely devastated to have lost him, but we feel gifted to have been given him.

"We would like to thank all the paramedics who worked so hard for Scott, all the medical staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, particularly those in the Accident and Emergency Unit and the Intensive Care Unit.

"We'd also like to thank the police for all the support they have given us, and all our friends, family and neighbours - you have carried us these past few days."

Born in Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on February 3 1994, Scott lived his life at the family home on Rooksmoor Hill, Woodchester, with his parents, older sister Abi, 13, and younger sister Bethany, three.

A popular member of Gastrells Primary School in Kingscourt Lane, Stroud, Scott was well known for his sensitive nature and caring attitude.

"He wasn't your average rough and tumble type of boy," said Diane, 37, a supermarket employee.

"He was very gentle and loving. He spent hours reading and he loved riding his bike. He had just started to learn to play the guitar and he had recently started Scouts - which he loved.

"I feel as if part of me has died with him. Things will never be the same again. He was like my shadow and we both loved each other very much, he didn't deserve to die like this."

Russell Cook, a 38 year-old technician, had been working away from home on the day his son died.

"It took me three hours to get to Scott's bedside - it was the longest journey of my life," he said.

"I had kissed him goodbye on Thursday morning. I regret more than anything that I didn't see him on his last day. I loved him so much."

Scott's sister Abi said she would remember her brother as a boy who was always laughing.

"Scott was such a fun boy to be with when he came out to play with me," she said.

"He would never stop laughing and joking about things that he found funny, like when he got stuck up a tree and I had to get him down.

"He would never hurt anyone and would spend hours playing board games with me and watching his favourite DVDs.

"Bethany and I will always love him and miss him."

Scott's funeral will be held at Woodchester Parish Church on Monday April 11 at 1pm. Those who wish to attend are asked to donate money to the children's charity Winston's Wish or the Intensive Care Unit of Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in lieu of flowers.