“REMEMBER NOAH FOR THE JOY HE BROUGHT” — FAMILY PAYS HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TO THREE-YEAR-OLD

The family of three-year-old Noah Woods have shared a deeply personal tribute to the little boy whose disappearance sparked a huge search involving around 1,300 members of the public.

Rather than wanting Noah to be remembered only for the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, his family say they want people to remember him as the happy, cheeky and playful little boy he was.

They described Noah as a child who loved to laugh and giggle, who brought happiness wherever he went and who was at the centre of his family’s world.

“A HAPPY, CHEEKY, PLAYFUL LITTLE BOY”

In a statement released through Suffolk Police, Noah’s family said he was a much-loved member of a close family, living with his mother, father and baby brother.

They described him as affectionate and full of personality.

“He was a happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went,” the family said.

Noah had been undergoing an assessment for autism but had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and was speech delayed.

His family said he had nevertheless been making progress and was learning new words.

One of the things they said they would miss most was the unique sound of his voice.

A SPECIAL BOND WITH HIS BABY BROTHER

Noah shared a particularly close relationship with his younger brother.

His family said he absolutely adored the baby and loved entertaining him and making him laugh.

He would follow his brother around and always wanted to be close to him.

The family described their bond as “incredibly special”, saying it was one of the memories they would carry with them forever.

For those closest to Noah, these everyday moments are now among the memories that matter most.

THE LITTLE BOY WHO LOVED PLAYING CHASE

Every Tuesday, Noah would go to the park with a relative who had been part of his life since he was born.

According to his family, the pair shared a particularly close relationship.

They would play chase, run around the park and explore the playground equipment together.

The family said those moments were filled with laughter and happiness and would remain treasured memories.

Noah also loved affection.

His family described him as “the most affectionate little boy”, saying he loved hugs and kisses and enjoyed being close to the people around him.

They recalled how he would be tickled to sleep at night and loved holding hands.

“HE HAD A GLOW ABOUT HIM”

Noah’s family said he had a collection of little mannerisms that could make people smile.

They described him as having a special warmth that seemed to fill a room.

“There was something incredibly special about him that drew people to him,” they said, adding that everyone who met him remembered his warmth and happiness.

That is the memory they now want to preserve.

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

“We want people to remember him running, playing chase, giggling and being the happy little boy that he was.”

THE SEARCH THAT UNITED A COMMUNITY

Noah went missing on the afternoon of September 15, after becoming separated from a relative while visiting the playground in Merriam Close in Brantham, Suffolk.

Police said he ran from the play area towards the nearby housing estate and Decoy Pond.

A huge search operation was launched, involving specialist police teams, emergency services, search-and-rescue volunteers and members of the public.

Around 1,300 people joined the effort, with volunteers searching the village and surrounding areas.

The response extended beyond the local community, with people travelling from other parts of the country to help.

Police, HM Coastguard, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, the National Police Air Service, Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue and the Metropolitan Police Dive Team were among those involved.

NOAH WAS FOUND IN DECOY POND

On September 16, Metropolitan Police divers recovered the body of a child from Decoy Pond.

The body was formally identified as Noah.

An inquest later heard that Noah had left the under-fives play area through a gap in a fence before continuing towards the pond.

His body was found around five metres from the bank, among submerged tree roots.

Police have said Noah’s death is not being treated as suspicious, although enquiries remain ongoing and the circumstances surrounding his death are subject to the coroner’s investigation.

HIS FAMILY THANKS EVERYONE WHO HELPED

Noah’s family also used their tribute to thank the enormous number of people who supported them.

They specifically thanked the Good Dads Club, Ipswich Town Football Club, emergency services, police specialists, volunteers, friends and family.

They also expressed gratitude to the wider football community for the support shown following Noah’s disappearance and death.

The search had touched people far beyond Brantham.

Ipswich Town paid tribute to Noah, while his photograph was displayed at a Premier League match involving Everton. Football supporters also joined in tributes to the little boy.

“HOLD YOUR CHILDREN A LITTLE TIGHTER”

For Noah’s mother, Charlie, the family has one simple request for everyone who has followed the story.

“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,” she said.

Her words echo the family’s wider message.

They do not want Noah’s story to be remembered only through the search that ended in tragedy.

They want him remembered running through the park, laughing, playing chase, cuddling his family and making his baby brother smile.

A happy little boy, loved deeply by his family, whose short life brought joy to the people around him.

And for those who joined the search, left flowers, offered messages or simply followed the story from afar, Noah’s family’s message is clear: remember him for the joy he brought.