THE family of Jordan Daniel Ledwith said a tearful goodbye to their little lad who lit up people's lives Wednesday.
Mourners lined the route as the funeral cortege for the four-years-old, who was killed in an horrific accident in Wigan Road, Leigh, left his Cameron Street home for a moving service at St Paul's Church, Westleigh, followed by interment at Leigh Cemetery.
His grandma, Mrs Dorothy Ledwith, also of Cameron Street, said: "We are all devastated by his loss. He was such a happy go lucky little boy who had a smile for everyone.
"He used to go and do a bit of digging with the workmen in Wigan Road and they were so touched when they heard what had happened they stopped working for a while and have sent a wreath and teddy bear.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts."
Donations are flocking in to collection boxes and fund raising events have been organised to help pay for a headstone for Jordan's grave.
The tragedy which happened on the Saturday afternoon of February 26, has galvanized furious residents into action.
They have threatened to barricade the road until lights, cameras and speed bumps are installed and petitions supporting calls for the new safety measures have been sent out to shops in the area.
The middle one of three children Jordan was believed to have been riding across the pedestrian crossing near the M and J Galvin convenience store and died instantly after he was in collision with a Nissan Micra which threw him under the wheels of an oncoming First bus.
His mum Sharon, dad and sisters, Naomi, six, and Shannon, one, are still trying to come to terms with his death. A message, one of many at the roadside shrine, read: "We miss you lots, we will love you for ever, love mummy and daddy."
Father-of-two Wayne Durkin, of Wigan Road, who witnessed the accident scene, said: "I saw it all unfold and it was heartbreaking for everyone involved. I have hardly slept since. That crossing is a death trap. The markings are faded and drivers just ignore people waiting to cross. I have seen three accidents in the vicinity in the space of two weeks. We are hoping to barricade the road until someone listens.
"My five-years-old son Adam is not allowed out now. I am scared of letting him go so I keep the door locked. There are a lot of children round here and something has got to be done fast for their safety. I have sent out petitions to shops which people can sign to strengthen our case."
William McCrea, of Eva Crescent, said: "I would like to add my weight to the campaign. That road is a danger. Believe it or not I have had two accidents in three weeks along there, in one I was in collision with a motorbike being followed by police and in the other I was distracted by children playing the fool by the side of the road and slammed on.
"The trouble is there are pedestrian crossings but no lights or buttons and motorists just ignore the people waiting to cross."
A 39-years-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed until April 23. Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact the road policing unit on 0161 856 7273.
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