NOAH WOODS’ FAMILY SHARES HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE AS MOTHER MAKES POIGNANT PLEA

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

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

His disappearance sparked a huge search operation involving police, 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, although enquiries continued and the medical cause of death remained subject to further investigation.

‘HE WAS AT THE CENTRE OF OUR WORLD’

In a statement released through Suffolk Constabulary, Noah’s family described him as a little boy who “loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went.”

They said he lived with his mummy, daddy and baby brother and was “at the centre of our world.”

The family said Noah was being assessed for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and speech delay.

Despite those challenges, they said he had been learning new words and had only recently begun finding and using his voice.

His family said the sound of his voice was one of the things they would miss most.

They described it as unique and wonderful — a memory they would carry with them forever.

A SPECIAL BOND WITH HIS BABY BROTHER

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

They said the three-year-old “absolutely adored” the baby, spending time entertaining him and trying to make him laugh.

He would follow his little brother around and always wanted to be close to him, the family said.

The bond between the two brothers was described as “incredibly special.”

Noah was also remembered as an exceptionally affectionate child.

He loved hugs and kisses, holding hands and being close to the people around him.

His family recalled how he was tickled to sleep every night and loved feeling safe and surrounded by affection.

They said he had wonderful mannerisms that could make anyone smile and a warmth that seemed to light up every room.

MEMORIES OF TUESDAYS AT THE PARK

The family revealed that every Tuesday since Noah was born, he had gone to the park with a treasured relative.

They described their relationship as a particularly special one, filled with running, playing chase and exploring the playground equipment.

Those ordinary weekly outings had created memories the family now says they will treasure forever.

But those memories have also become part of the heartbreaking story surrounding Noah’s final day.

INQUEST HEARS HOW NOAH LEFT THE PLAY AREA

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

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick told the hearing that Noah had been “looked after by relatives” as part of his normal routine.

CCTV showed him playing with his relative at around 2:13 p.m., with the last recorded footage at 2:37 p.m. The camera was motion-activated and therefore did not provide continuous footage.

The inquest heard that Noah left the play area through a gap in the fence leading towards a memorial garden.

He then went through an open gate and headed towards Decoy Pond.

His relative was following closely behind and shouting after him, but after around 200 metres, Noah could no longer be seen.

Police were called and a large-scale search began.

Noah was eventually found by a Metropolitan Police diver approximately five metres from the bank, among submerged tree roots. The water was estimated to be around 1.8 metres deep at that location.

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

The post-mortem examination recorded the medical cause of death as pending further investigation.

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

Despite the devastating circumstances, Noah’s family said they do not want him to be remembered only through the tragedy.

Instead, they want people to remember the little boy who ran, played chase, giggled and brought happiness to those around him.

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

The family also expressed their gratitude to everyone who joined the search and supported them.

They thanked emergency services, specialist police teams, volunteers, friends and relatives, as well as the football community and organisations that offered support.

The response was enormous, with around 1,300 members of the public taking part in the search after Noah disappeared.

A MOTHER’S HEARTBREAKING MESSAGE

At the end of the family’s tribute, Noah’s mother, Charlie, made a simple but deeply painful request.

“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.”

Those words now stand alongside the family’s memories of Noah — his laughter, his affection, his love for his baby brother and the happiness he brought to the people around him.

For his family, the little boy they lost will not be remembered only by the circumstances of his death.

He will be remembered as Noah: a happy, cheeky and playful three-year-old who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and brought joy wherever he went.

And as the inquest continues, his family’s message remains clear: hold your children a little tighter, cherish every moment and never take those precious memories for granted.