‘For Xander’: Fundraiser already raised over £7,000 for the family of boy killed in Morningside crash

A fundraising page set up to help the family of the tragic tot who was killed in an horrific crash in Edinburgh has already raised over £7,000.

Three-year-old Xander Irvine was killed in Morningside after being hit when a red Kia Picanto mounted the pavement on Tuesday.

Xander’s mother Victoria was also treated for injuries, and has since been released from hospital.

The driver of the car, a 91-year-old woman, suffered no injuries.

The Go Fund Me page explains: “As a community we want to raise money to help Xander Irvine's family give him a funeral that celebrates his amazing life.

“He was a beautiful, happy little boy that loved life and brought everyone so much joy, he was Victoria and Paul's life. Xander had stopped to look at toys in the window, and in an instant this life was taken.”

“This is a truly devastating event and although there are no words or money that can change the outcome of this tragic accident, we can come together to help to ease the financial burden faced by Xander’s family who are left to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Flowers, toys and messages have been left at the scene where Xander was hit, paying tribute to his young life.

The headteacher of Oxgangs Primary School, where mum Victoria works as a teacher, sent a letter to parents yesterday paying his respects to the family.

The letter read: “It is with great sadness that I write to you today to share the tragic news that our own Mrs Victoria Irvine’s son Xander died on Tuesday 30 June after a collision with a car on Morningside Road.

“Xander was three years old.

“This is a truly devastating event and we are all utterly heartbroken for Xander and his family.

“As a strong school community we will do everything we can to support Mrs Irvine and her family in the difficult times ahead.

“Many people have left floral tributes at the scene on Morningside Road and this has brought great comfort to the family.

“I would ask that you hold Xander, Mrs Irvine and their family in your thoughts at this enormously sad time."

Previously, Xander’s parents, Victoria and Paul had released a statement through Police Scotland saying: “Xander was a very happy, bubbly, intelligent little boy who was very dearly loved by his parents Victoria and Paul.

“Xander was a real chatterbox who just loved books, playing with all sorts of vehicles and his Lego.

“He really enjoyed life and he enriched the lives of everyone he met.”

Inspector Roger Park of Edinburgh City Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Xander at this incredibly difficult time.

“Enquiries into the crash are ongoing, a full forensic collision investigation was carried out at the time and officers continue to look at CCTV and dash-cam footage as well as tracing and speaking to witnesses who have come forward.

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Joy Yates

Editorial Director