Heartbroken family prepare for funeral of 12 year old Luke Lawson

Luke’s funeral is to take place today, almost a week after his parents found their beloved son had passed away in his sleep.

The 12-year-old’s death has ripped the heart out of his parents who are absolutely devastated at his untimely loss.

For those wanting to pay their respects, the funeral cortege will leave his Nanny Kay’s home, 11 Upper Ballydougan Road, Craigavon, BT63 5NU on Friday at 1.15pm travelling via Markville, stopping outside Luke’s home in Markville, Bleary before making its way to St. Colman’s Church, Clare for 2.00pm Requiem Mass.

Burial will be afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Those paying their respects have been asked to observe social distancing guidelines at all times.

Born on 2nd February, 2008 to Barry Lawson and Leanne Lagan from Bleary, Luke was a popular and happy child, full of energy and mischief.

Earlier this week his father Barry, who always called him ‘My Sunshine’ said: “He really was a good child, a fun-loving child. He was a real wee man. And he was always up to some form of mischief. He was just so lovable and he always had a smile on his face. Anyone that met him loved him.”

Luke went to St Francis’ Primary School in Lurgan before starting his first year last September at Lismore Comprehensive School. “He liked school, just didn’t like to work in school,” said mum Leanne, adding that he loved the social aspect of school life.

Barry said his teachers used to refer to him as a ‘social butterfly’. If there was a child in the playground on his or her own, Luke would have went to them. If someone felt left out, he would have brought them in.

“He was very generous and giving. He would have given anybody whatever he had in his pocket.

“No matter where he went, if we took him to the beach on his own, he would have went and found another child and made friends. He had no problem making friends. I am a bit shy and retiring and I used to admire him for that. Fair play that he could do that .”

Luke loved playing computer games particularly Fortnite, cars and his beloved bikes. He had two a mountain bikes and a BMX and was always out cycling around the countryside.

He regularly went down to Craigavon Lakes with this family, and was particularly fond of the pump track at the lakes.

He often went on his bike from his home in Bleary to visit is Granny Kay in Ballydougan.

He liked football and played for Moira Youth FC but would be the first to admit he wasn’t destined for the Premier League.

“He always managed to keep positive,” said Barry.

His father said: “He was a joker and very mischievous. He loved getting out. He loved a bit of craic.”

He adored the pool and going to the beach. He would put up the family pool and fill it himself, and could even been found in it when it was raining.

Luke was the middle brother with elder sister Emma (16) and younger brother Corey (4).

Barry said: He loved playing his video games, especially with his little brother. There was a big age gap between them. He really played with him and the wee brother loved him. I don’t know how he is going to do without him. He is going to miss him something shocking. Anytime he was stuck on a video game he would have called for Luke

Both parents have yet to find out why their son passed away in his sleep.

“He was such a wee dynamo but for a few days before he had been off colour,” said Barry, adding that he had gone to bed early on Friday night and had felt tired and his tummy was sore.

His parents said he had been thirsty and they had been keeping an eye on him through the night, bringing him drinks and tending to him.

Luke died in his sleep on Saturday morning.

His parents tried to revive him and Barry rushed to a nearby service station to get a defibrillator. He carried out CPR on his son until the ambulance service arrived and paramedics also worked hard to revive Luke.

“It doesn’t feel real. It is the sort of thing that happens to somebody else. I go into his room to see if I dreamt it.

“He was a real lovable child. It is completely devastating. It is like a big hole has been ripped out,” said his heartbroken dad.

Barry and Leanne wanted to pay tribute to the police who were first to arrive and helped continue CPR.

Barry said: “They were absolutely amazing as were the ambulance staff who were also brilliant. I would also like to thank the doctors who tried their very best to save Luke.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to our friends, neighbours and members of the community who have been so kind and supportive.”

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