THE family of an eight-year-old schoolboy have pledged to set up a foundation to help children suffering from asthma following his tragic death after a football match.

The funeral of Joshua Goodwin, from Sheppey, will take place this Thursday, August 16.

Joshua was playing for Range Rovers’ under 9s at a match in Shurland Meadows, Eastchurch, on August 8 when he collapsed.

His mother, Carla and her partner Rob Morphey, were on the touchline with other family members, including Joshua’s sister Jaymee-Leigh, 10. Joshua was taken to hospital in Maidstone but he died.

The talented footballer had just been taken by his grandmother, Sharon Jones, to the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley.

And just two days earlier he had taken part in Arsenal Youth coaching team sessions at Sheerness Holiday Park where he won three medals.

Shortly before his death Joshua had taken part in Charlton FC summer slam at New Road, Sheerness, and enjoyed playing at the Sheerness sand pit and amusements with his father, Carla’s former partner Tony Davies.

Carla said Joshua had coped well with his asthma and never let it stop him from leading a busy life. But the condition had taken its toll and he had been in and out of hospital all his life. He was due to begin a new course of tablets.

She understands he died as a result of an allergy, probably hay fever, triggering the attack.

She added: "People think asthma is not as serious as it is. I suffer from it, but I never expected Joshua to be that bad. I want to make people aware that it is serious, a killer.”

Joshua's life will be celebrated with a football themed funeral service at the Garden of England Crematorium, Sheppey Way, Bobbing 4pm this Thursday. The anthem of his favourite team Liverpool – You’ll Never Walk Alone – will be played.

Josh’s family have asked that no-one wears black and that football shirts, apart from number four, are worn wherever possible.

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