The father of “fun-loving” Mason Deakin has paid an emotional tribute to his son who was killed alongside his best friend when the bike he was riding was struck by a car.
Jordan Deakin, 30, says he is having to stay strong for Mason’s brother and sisters and has described his eldest son as his “cheeky little man”.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Mason’s dad revealed that his 11-year-old son loved nothing more than riding his bike and that he has found comfort in visiting the spot where hundreds of tributes have been laid.
Mr Deakin admitted that he spent until 2am on Friday morning at the crash site as he tries to come to terms with his family’s huge loss.
Mason and best friend Steven Duffield, 10, were cycling along Anlaby Road, close to the East Yorkshire buses depot, when the bike they were on was hit by a vehicle.
(Image: Jordan Deakin)
Steven passed away at Hull Royal Infirmary that night, however Mason continued to fight and was transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he was in a coma and on life support.
After a fortnight-long battle, Mason died on Monday surrounded by his family.
Describing his eldest son, who he shared with his former partner Kirsty, Jordan said: “Mason was just a fun-loving little boy. He was loved by lots of people. He was our cheeky little man.
“He was always wanting to be out and about. He had an iPad and all the games consoles but he always wanted to be out on his bike.
“They were best friends. His auntie lives around here and they were always playing out on the skate park on West Park. That is where Mason always was.
“He went to Chiltern Primary where he was liked by lots of people. He was ready to start at Sirius Academy next September.
“He would never have a day off and always loved being in school. He used to get 100 per cent attendance and would always want to be there.”
(Image: Jordan Deakin)
More than £5,000 has been raised by the people of Hull to help pay for Mason’s funeral after a crowdfunding campaign was set up by his devastated uncle Karl Lammas.
Jordan, who lives in Alliance Avenue, off Spring Bank West, says the generosity of the public “means absolutely everything” to him and the family.
As well as being a keen cyclist, the 11-year-old loved nothing more than a trip to the KCOM Stadium to watch his beloved Hull FC – a passion he shared with his dad.
(Image: Jordan Deakin)
“Mason did like football but he was rugby mad. That was him. He just loved it.
“Me and Mason had a really good relationship. I took him to every Hull FC game and the KC. He was always there.”
The tragic accident happened less than a quarter of a mile from the stadium.
Despite his own immense pain, Jordan says he must stay strong to support his family including Mason’s little brother Lewis, eight, and sisters Gracie-Mae, five, and Courtney, 15.
(Image: Jordan Deakin)
“I was there last night. I didn’t leave until 2am,” he said when reflecting on the vast floral tributes that have appeared to Mason and Steven since the accident on October 19.
“I’ve got to be strong for his brother and his other siblings but I’m in bits.
“I just want to thank the community for their support through donations, raffles and for their kind words.
“It means absolutely everything. I can’t get over the support we have had. These little boys have had so much support from everybody.
(Image: Katie Pugh)
“I’d also like to thank his uncle Karl for setting up the funding page.
“We’ve been in touch with the coroner today. They can release Mason tomorrow to get him to the funeral directors and then, as soon as he is there, we can lay him to rest.”
Plans are yet to be made for Mason’s funeral although it is likely to take place under coronavirus lockdown limits on the number of attendees allowed.
Both families are now being cared for by specially trained family liaison officers.
Steven’s family announced that his funeral service will be held at Chanterlands Crematorium on Wednesday, November 18.
The plans include for Steven to travel on a horse and carriage via Cottingham Road McDonald’s and the West Park skate park where the pair cemented their friendship.
Anyone that would still like to donate to the family’s fundraising page can do so here.
