The grieving family of a 17-year-old who died suddenly have told how they are now struggling to find the money to pay for his funeral.
James Howland, from Midway, did have some health issues and was registered blind but his sudden death came out of the blue and has left his family devastated.
The youngster lived with his mum Linda Whyatt, 56, who is struggling to find the total cost for the £3,800 funeral, which took place on Wednesday, February 7.
James had come home from school as he normally did on Monday, November 20, last year, walked into the living room to have a chat with his mum as he did every day before going up to his bedroom to get ready to go to his beloved bingo sessions.
When he did not come back down a short while later, Linda shouted up to James to see if he was ready to go, but she did not receive a reply.
At first Linda thought he had fallen asleep but it soon became clear he had died.
James was a pupil at Derby's St Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy pupil and enjoyed to going out with friends and playing prize bingo at the Royal Oak pub, in High Street, Newhall.
James' sister, Maria Whyatt, 38, told the Burton Mail that his death came as a huge shock to everyone in his family.
Maria, who lives Main Street, Newhall, said: "It completely came out of the blue so we were so shocked and devasted. He had some health problems and was registered blind, but the doctors always said he would lead a full and happy life.
"When we found out he had passed away, we were all so shocked and couldn't quite believe it.
"He is so greatly missed by everyone who knew him."
Because James was just 17 when he died he was classed as an adult meaning his parents had to pay the full price for the funeral.
The family are now struggling to find all of the £3,800 needed to pay for the funeral. They have clubbing together as much money they could find, and have got £1,500.
This includes £700 after they set up an online JustGiving page.
The family also auctioned off some of their own belongings and other items which had been donated by members of the public to put towards the total they have so far.
James was a popular person who was known by many people across Swadlincote, particularly because he was often at Newhall Labour Club singing his heart out to songs on karaoke - especially his favourite band, Westlife, says his family.
Maria said: "He had a beautiful voice, which is a good thing because he was always singing!
"He was always raising money for charity as well. He was extremely kind and was always happy.
"He did a lot for Living Paintings, which supports blind children, and he loved going to the Ey Up Mi Duck race in Derby every year."
The family say they will never forget James and losing him has been one of the hardest things they have had to deal with.
Their agony was was prolonged further as they had to wait 12 weeks for his body to be released from doctors who were carrying out tests due to his sudden death. An inquest is due to take place to establish the cause of his death.
James' body has now been laid to rest in a plot next to his grandfather's at Newhall Cemetery.
Maria said: "James' granddad died a few years ago and there was a plot free next to him so we thought it would be the perfect place for James to be.
"He was so close to his granddad and they got on incredibly well. It seems only fitting that they can together again now."
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A small, simple funeral was held for James at St John's Church, in Church Street, Newhall, where family celebrated his life and remembered the happy times they shared with him.
However, the balance of the funeral is still outstanding and the family are desperately asking people to donate items that could be auctioned off to raise more money.
The auction can be found on Facebook, by searching for 'Online Auction in Memory of James Howland'.
Anyone with donations is asked to get in touch with his sister Maria Whyatt, by calling 07903 266063.
