More than £10,000 raised for schoolgirl, 10, who died in swimming pool tragedy days before 11th birthday

More than £10,000 has been raised for a 10-year-old schoolgirl who died in a swimming pool tragedy just days before her 11th birthday, with tributes pouring in for the youngster online.

Earlier this week, emergency services were called to the Northfield Pool in Aberdeen after 10-year-old Jessica Rennie got into difficulty in the water on Monday night.

She was rushed to the Royal Infirmary, but she was sadly pronounced dead after doctors were unable to save her.

Police Scotland have said her death is not being treated as suspicious as enquiries continue.

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“Around 8pm on Monday, 12 February, 2024, we were made aware a young female had got into difficulty in a swimming pool in Aberdeen,” a spokesperson said.

“Emergency services attended, and a 10-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she later died.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death, which is not being treated as suspicious.”

According to the Daily Record, family have said Rennie was set to turn 11 on 20 February.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help Rennie’s family in the wake of her death, prompting an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond.

“We have created a go fund me for the beautiful Jessica who tragically lost her life on Monday at swimming,” it said.

“No family should ever have to be prepared for such a loss.

“Can the city of Aberdeen and afar please come together and donate as much or little as you can and help the family of Jessica give her the best send off we can.”

GoFundMe

The fundraiser, which has already raised more than £11,000 for her relatives, was created by local businessman Yilmaz Huseyin, who told the Metro he was a friend of the family.

He explained that he had been given their blessing to start the campaign, saying: “When it comes to kids in Aberdeen, everybody wants to help.

“We want to ensure she gets the best service and that the family is well looked-after.”

Many locals paid tribute to Rennie in the comments, saying they were all thinking of her family at this ‘sad time’.

One person wrote: “Rest in peace beautiful girl. Praying for your parents and loved ones. Let's see Aberdeen come together for one of its own.”

Someone else said: “Fly high little one. Thoughts are with your family and friends.”

A third added: “Sleep tight little one.”

Topics: UK News

Jess Hardiman

Jess is Entertainment Desk Lead at LADbible Group. She graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Film Studies, English Language and Linguistics. You can contact Jess at [email protected].

@Jess_Hardiman