Family pay tribute to 'happy, cheeky' Noah Woods

Why it matters: Noah went missing from a playground in Merriam Close, Brantham, on the afternoon of Tuesday, 15 September, sparking a two-day search involving police, specialist search teams and around 1,300 members of the public. His body was recovered from Decoy Pond on 16 September, with the discovery currently being treated as not suspicious but unexplained.

In their own words: In a tribute issued by Suffolk Constabulary on behalf of Noah's family, they described him as "a happy, cheeky, playful three-year-old boy who loved to laugh, loved to giggle and who brought joy wherever he went."

"He was part of a loving and caring family, living with his mummy, daddy and his little baby brother. He was at the centre of our world," the family said.

Noah was being assessed for autism, although he had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and was speech-delayed. "Despite the challenges he faced, he was learning every day. He was saying new words all the time and had only just started finding and using his little voice. One of the things we miss most is the special sound of his voice. It was unique, wonderful, and something we will carry with us forever."

The family described his bond with his baby brother as "incredibly special," saying: "He absolutely adored his little baby brother. He loved spending time with him, entertaining him and making him laugh. He would follow him around and always wanted to be close to him."

They also spoke of a weekly tradition with a relative. "Every Tuesday since the day he was born, Noah went to the park with a treasured relative. They had the most wonderful relationship; they loved playing chase together, running around, and exploring the play equipment. Those moments were filled with laughter and happiness and are memories our family will treasure forever."

"Noah loved to be loved," the tribute continued. "He was the most affectionate little boy. He loved hugs and kisses and soaked up every bit of affection he was given. Every night he would be tickled to sleep. He loved holding hands, being close to people, and feeling safe and loved by those around him.

"He had the most wonderful mannerisms that could make anyone smile. He had a glow about him that lit up every room he walked into. There was something incredibly special about him that drew people to him, and everyone who met him remembers that warmth and happiness."

The family said they want Noah to be remembered with joy. "We want people to remember him running, playing chase, giggling and being the happy little boy that he was. That is who Noah was, and that is how he deserves to be remembered."

What they're saying: The family thanked the Good Dads Club, Ipswich Town Football Club, everyone who helped during the search, the emergency services and the specialist support provided by police, as well as their own family and friends.

"A special thank you must go to the entire footballing community, from grassroots clubs through to the highest levels of the game, for the incredible love, support and kind thoughts that have been shown to our family," they said. "The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we will be forever grateful to every single person who has stood beside us and remembered our beautiful Noah."

Noah's mother, Charlie, added: "If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted."

The bottom line: Noah's family have asked that he be remembered as a joyful, affectionate little boy, thanking the community that supported the search for him and the outpouring of love shown to them since.

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