The parents of a teenager who died in a 'hit and run' have said they are "completely blown away" after £25,000 was raised for his funeral.

The Swindon community was rocked at the end of November after 14-year-old Harry Parker was hit by a car on his way to school.

In the days following, Harry's father Adam released his own tribute to his "golden son" saying he was taken "too soon" and selflessly encouraged anyone that was struggling following his son's death to get in touch with him for support. 

But to support Adam, Harry's mother Kelly, and the rest of the family, Adam's niece Emilia Thatcher set up a GoFundMe asking for just £1,000 from members of the public to go towards the funeral to give Harry the "send off he deserved".

It has now been over a week since the GoFundMe was first set up, and friends, family and members of the public have helped to completely smash Emilia's £1,000 target, donating a total of £24,611, much to the family's shock and amazement. 

"We would just like to say we are completely blown away by everyone's kindness, especially in these hard times. Harry will be able to have a good send-off and it has taken great pressure off the family at this time," Adam said. 

Emilia also couldn't believe how generous people had been in their response.

"I can't believe the response, so many people have donated or left flowers on Akers Way, we're blown away," she said. 

When asked why she thought the people of Swindon had given such a strong response, she said: "Where it’s such a tragic thing, it just touched everyone, all over Swindon, people have family members around that age, children, brothers, grandchildren, and they can imagine if that was their loved one.

"Everyone wanted to show their support and this was the only way that people could, really."

She added: "I’m just so grateful, the whole family is, everyone is so grateful for the support that they’ve had, I just hope that support continues when we start some sort of campaign to try and make this road safer."

Adam reiterated this: "We would like people's continued support when we start the campaign to make the road safe and that he will be using some of the money raised towards this."

You can support Harry's family at the GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/bf212d60