Teen dies just days before 15th birthday in Portugal holiday tragedy

The teenager was a talented boxer who had a passion for the sport

Tributes have been shared for a teenager who passed away on holiday just days before his 15th birthday. Jack Pollock, 14, died suddenly while on holiday in Portugal with his mum and brother Jude on Thursday, September 29. His dad Darryl has led tributes to his son, writing on social media: "Birthday boy in 3 days. I love [you] too much Jack. "Shattered broken all in one. I’m here with you and I just wished you were sitting here beside me. We will bring you home no matter what." Speaking to Edinburgh Live, he described Jack as a "protector" and his friends' "rock." He said: "He was really passionate about his boxing. Even on his days off he was out a run and always gave it 150 per cent, there was no slacking from Jack.

"I'll say one thing about Jack and that is the fact he was a protector. All of his friends went to him if they had any trouble as he was their rock.

"If ever you needed anything, he would be the first to dash out of his house and help you out.

"He also loved his music but his passion was being out with his pals."

[caption id="attachment_361764" align="alignnone" width="1072"] Jack and his dad (Facebook/Darryl Pollock)[/caption]

David Barclay, a coach at his amateur boxing club, also paid an emotional tribute to the teenager.

He said: "On behalf of myself and everyone at the Granton amateur boxing club, we would like to share our deepest condolences with Jack's family with a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat.

"I can tell you that Jack's passing has devastated a full community.

"Just under a year ago you walked into my gym full of ideas and mischief a typical teenage boy who absolutely loved boxing.

"As everyone who was involved with Jack would agree this kid had the heart of a lion. In my personal opinion this kid would have went far in the boxing world.

"Jack: you were never a member, you were part of the little family. May God give you the best bed in heaven and everyone hold Jack's family in their thoughts and prayers. Rest easy wee champ."

https://www.facebook.com/david.barclay.5059601/posts/pfbid02S4wQbj12eznMwMorc1kSHXWFaStm3NSByzP1K61i7mP9DekecXsSaP9kXBXSbGFal

A fundraiser has since been set up to raise money for the family to help them bring his body back to the UK.

At the time of writing, £7,338 has been raised for the family. The page reads: "Jack was funny, loveable and kind. In his close friendship group he was always making people laugh. He always put his friends first - caring more about others than himself.

"Jack adored his mum and was a dedicated and loyal big brother. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

"With a passion for boxing, he was dedicated to training and being the best. He had a love of CDT and history.

"We are trying to raise money to help Jack's mum put towards the upcoming expenses.

"We know that no amount of money will ever bring Jack back, but if we can help to ease the pressure and take a little bit of load off the family, then we will try our best.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of a British child who has died in Portugal."

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