NOAH WOODS’ MOTHER MAKES HEARTBREAKING PLEA AS FAMILY REMEMBERS ‘HAPPY, CHEEKY’ LITTLE BOY

The family of three-year-old Noah Woods has shared a deeply emotional tribute following his tragic death, remembering him as a loving, playful little boy whose laughter brought happiness to everyone around him.

Noah was reported missing on the afternoon of September 15 after becoming separated from a relative while visiting an under-fives play area in Merriam Close, Brantham, Suffolk.

His disappearance triggered a huge search operation involving emergency services, specialist teams and around 1,300 members of the public.

The following day, Metropolitan Police divers recovered the body of a child from nearby Decoy Pond. The child was later formally identified as Noah.

Suffolk Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious, while enquiries continued.

‘HE WAS AT THE CENTRE OF OUR WORLD’

In a statement released through Suffolk Constabulary, Noah’s family described him as a “happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy” who loved to laugh and giggle.

They said Noah was surrounded by a loving family and lived with his mother, father and baby brother.

“He was at the centre of our world,” they said.

The family explained that Noah had been undergoing an assessment for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and speech delay.

Despite those challenges, they said, Noah was learning every day and had recently started finding and using his voice.

His family said the sound of his voice was something they would carry with them forever.

‘HE ABSOLUTELY ADORED HIS LITTLE BABY BROTHER’

Noah’s family also spoke about his special relationship with his younger brother.

They said he loved spending time with the baby, entertaining him and trying to make him laugh.

“He would follow him around and always wanted to be close to him,” the family said, describing their bond as “incredibly special.”

Noah was remembered as an affectionate child who loved hugs and kisses.

His family said he enjoyed holding hands, being close to others and feeling safe and loved.

They also recalled how he would be tickled to sleep each night.

“He had the most wonderful mannerisms that could make anyone smile,” they said.

The family described him as having a special warmth that could light up a room.

HIS MOTHER’S HEARTBREAKING MESSAGE

Among the most poignant words came from Noah’s mother, Charlie Peck.

In a message shared through Suffolk Police, she made a simple request to other parents.

“If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted.”

The message came as the family continues to grieve the loss of their young son.

They also thanked the thousands of people who helped during the search, along with emergency services, specialist teams, community organisations, family and friends.

The family gave particular thanks to the wider football community and everyone who offered messages of support following Noah’s death.

‘WE WANT NOAH’S LAST MEMORY TO BE ONE OF JOY’

Noah’s family said they want people to remember him for the child he was rather than simply for the circumstances of his death.

“As a family, we want Noah’s last memory to be one of joy,” they said.

They want him remembered running, playing chase, giggling and enjoying the simple moments of childhood.

“That is who Noah was, and that is how he deserves to be remembered.”

INQUEST HEARS HOW NOAH LEFT THE PLAY AREA

An inquest into Noah’s death was opened at Suffolk Coroner’s Court in Ipswich on September 25 and then adjourned.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick told the hearing that Noah had been cared for by relatives as part of his normal routine on September 15.

CCTV showed Noah playing with his relative at the playground at around 2:13 p.m., with the last recorded footage at 2:37 p.m.

The camera was motion-activated, meaning it did not provide continuous footage.

The inquest heard that Noah left the play area “through a gap in the fence” leading toward a memorial garden before passing through an open gate.

He then went in the direction of Decoy Pond while his relative followed closely behind and called out to him.

After around 200 metres, the relative could no longer see Noah.

Police were then called and a large-scale search operation began.

Noah was eventually found by a Metropolitan Police diver approximately five metres from the bank, among submerged tree roots.

The water at that location was estimated to be around 1.8 metres deep.

His death was confirmed by paramedics at 4:31 p.m., and his mother formally identified him at Ipswich Hospital that evening.

The inquest heard that the medical cause of death remained pending further investigation.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

For Noah’s family, however, the memories they want to preserve are those of a little boy who laughed, played, loved his family and brought happiness wherever he went.

His mother’s message remains a heartbreaking reminder to cherish those ordinary moments before they become memories.