A memorial fundraising page has been set up in honour of 10 year old Alex Bennett, with his family giving permission for donations to help establish a fund or scholarship in his name.

Alex  died after being struck by a car while walking along Leeston Road near Springston at about 3.30pm on Wednesday. He died at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time,” a Police spokesperson said.

The fundraising page was created by family friend Mary Batchelar, who said Alex was one of her son’s best friends and that she was also a close friend of Alex’s mother.

In a message on the page, Batchelar said it had been set up with the full permission of Alex’s parents, Kylie and Guyan, to honour their son’s life and show support for the family.

She said the family hoped the donations would go towards establishing a fund or scholarship in Alex’s memory, with further details to be shared at a later stage.

Alex’s school also acknowledged his death in a message to parents, shared with permission from the family.

“With permission from the family, I am able to share it is our beautiful Alex Bennett. Our thoughts are with Kylie, Guyan and their family,” the statement said.

“Our hearts go out to them, and we are so grateful for the kindness, support and love shown by our community as we navigate the tragic loss of one of our precious children.”

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Canterbury, including from the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade.

“A family has lost a precious child, a school has lost a star student and a community has lost a shining light,” the brigade said.

“Our hearts are shattered by the tragic loss of 10 year old Alex Bennett, taken far too soon in an unimaginable incident. There are no words that can truly capture our sorrow, nor the pain his family and loved ones are enduring.”

“On behalf of the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Brigade, we extend our deepest condolences to Alex’s family, friends, teachers and everyone whose life he was a part of. We stand with you in your grief, and you are all in our thoughts. We hope you find strength and comfort from the memories he created, that will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Alex.”

The Springston school community has invited families and friends to come together to celebrate the life of Alex.

In a message shared online, the school said Alex’s family would be deeply touched to see those who knew and loved him gather to share memories, find comfort in one another, and honour the joy he brought to their lives.

The celebration of Alex’s life will be held at Springston Community Hall on Wednesday 11 February, starting at 4.00pm.

The school said the family had expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from the school community.

The statement said the gathering would provide an opportunity to stand together, reflect, and remember the light Alex brought to the school.

“This is a time to stand together and reflect on the beautiful light that Alex was in our kura. As we navigate this time together, please remember to hold each other close and reach out if you or your tamariki need extra support.”