A TODDLER who drowned after falling into a garden pond will be laid to rest on Saturday in what his parents hope will be a celebration of his life.
Little Charlie Berry, three, died at Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Hospital after toppling into water while visiting a house in Murrayfield, Edinburgh.
Medics tried in vain to resuscitate the youngster, who was born 12 weeks premature according to the minister leading Saturday’s church service.
His parents Julie and Brian, from Kelso, described their loss as “a tragic accident” and invited all friends and family to wear colourful clothes at his funeral.
He also leaves behind three brothers, Daniel, 13, Oliver, 11 and Robbie, eight.
Charlie’s death was described as “deeply saddening” by Kelso North Parish Church minister Reverend Tom McDonald.
He said: “It is all really very deeply saddening indeed.
“What can you say about a wee laddie who struggled so much to make it into this world, only to have his life taken from him at such a young age.
“He was 12 weeks premature and I know Julie and Brian want tomorrow to be a celebration of his short life.
“I would expect the service to be very busy.”
His mother Julie posted a tribute and pictures of her son on Facebook two days after the accident on 22 July.
“Tragic accident”
She wrote: “Charlie Stephan Berry 22.04.07 22.07.10 sadly lost following a tragic accident, always in our hearts.”
In a marriage certificate from May 1997, Charlie’s mother Julie was described as an occupational therapist and his father Brian was said to be a property factor.
A police spokesman said: “Lothian and Borders Police and paramedics were called to an incident in the Murrayfield area of Edinburgh on Thursday 22nd July relating to a male child who had fallen into a garden pond.
“The three-year-old was taken to the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children but was unable to be resuscitated.
“A full investigation was carried out surrounding his death and the circumstances confirmed as non-suspicious.
“The family has requested the media respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
