A big-hearted benefactor has pledged thousands to pay for the funeral of a Moray youngster who died in a road accident.
Kieran McQuillan was struck by a van as he played on Elgin’s Brechan Rig on Friday evening.
Friends and family rallied around his devastated parents and launched an online campaign to help pay for the seven-year-old’s funeral.
The £6,000 target was smashed yesterday when an anonymous backer offered up a £2,000 donation.
Last night, the tally was nearing £7,000 as messages of sympathy and support flooded in with every pledge.
The appeal was set up by Marrie Quinn, a close friend of Kieran’s mum, Mary Johnston.
Ms Quinn thanked everyone who had contributed to the collection, but made special mention of the mystery donor.
She added: “I have to say a special thank you for all the donations, but most of all to the amazing sweetheart who donated £2,000.
“No-one could begin to understand how much this is going to help the family.”
Kieran had celebrated his seventh birthday with friends just six days before he died.
The accident was the second tragedy to rock the family in recent times, following the death of his six-month-old sister, Calleigh, last year.
She was the daughter of his dad, Gavin McQuillan, who lives in Inverness.
Kieran, who went to New Elgin Primary School, has been remembered as a “sweet and polite little boy” by people who knew him.
Tributes have amassed around a lamppost at the scene.
Bouquets of flowers, teddy bears and candles have been lovingly arranged at the spot.
The youngster was killed after being hit by a red Renault Master van at 5.30pm, just yards from a playpark.
The 46-year-old driver of the vehicle did not suffer any injury.
Police have appealed for information from anyone who saw either Kieran or the van prior to the accident.
Road policing sergeant, Steve Manson, said: “Kieran was wearing a blue top and blue jeans and may have been riding a scooter.”
People with details that could help the inquiry have been asked to call police on 101.
