Parents of tragic Corby teens ‘overwhelmed’ by love and support from the town as boy remains critically ill

The family of a Corby boy still in a Greek hospital after the death of his brother and cousin say they have been overwhelmed by the offers of help and support from across the town.

Mikey Connelly, 13, and his cousin Jessica Hayes, 15, tragically died following Wednesday’s parasailing accident in the village of Lindos.

James Connelly, 15, remains in hospital in Rhodes tonight where his condition is serious but stable. Speaking to the Northants Telegraph this evening, his dad Phil, a Corby steelworker, said that an MRI showed no change in his condition.

Medics have today inserted a probe as a precautionary measure to detect any brain swelling so they can act quickly if they need to.

Meanwhile offers of help and support have flooded from all quarters. A fundraising site set up by extended family to help with funeral and other costs has raised an incredible £22,000 in just one day.

Phil said: “We can feel the love and it makes me so proud of our town that this is happening. It’s beyond heartwarming.

“The types of people donating are far from high earners. It’s just incredible.

“My sister (Jessica’s mum) is also overwhelmed.”

The Rhodes ex-pat community have asked for special permission from the consulate tonight to release lit candles into the sea in an emotional tribute to Jessica and Mikey.

Phil said his employer Tata Steel had offered financial assistance, and the Community Union which represents many workers at the Weldon Road plant had also offered to help.

The boys’ school, Kingswood Secondary Academy, has also pledged to support the family.

A statement from principal Michelle Newman said: "We are all incredibly saddened by this tragic incident and the passing of one of our much-loved pupils, Michael Connelly, and his cousin Jessica.

"Mikey was a wonderful pupil, a friend to us all, and a fantastically positive member of our school community."

The13-year-old also attended Genesis Theatre School for many years. A heartbreaking statement posted on their social media said: “We are heartbroken at the news that Mikey has died yesterday in a tragic accident on holiday in Greece.

“He was such a special, kind and considerate person. A rare exceptional talent in acting and so, so funny.

“Mikey was one of the most precious of gems in Genesis Theatre School. His presence and sweetness will be forever missed. What unfathomable loss.

“We are so proud to have known him.”

- Two men connected with the watersports company that oversaw the paragliding activity have today been formally charged with manslaughter by way of negligence.