Family's tributes to 'caring, loving' Delvin

THE heartbroken mum of a schoolboy who tragically drowned in Exeter has led tributes to her football-loving son and thanked the public for a massive outpouring of support.

- by PAUL GREAVES

Delvin Musakwa, 13, was a pupil at Isca Academy who had dreams of joining the armed forces or playing for his beloved Real Madrid.

He has been described as “funny, thoughtful and always ready to help out” by a family friend, the “life and soul of the party” by his football coach and by his teacher as a student whose “presence lit up our school”.

His mum, Cecelia, says he loved Exeter, his studies and helping out in the community.

“I used to say ‘You are my bodyguard’ as we used to do everything together when he was home,” she said.

Delvin died after jumping into Exeter Canal at Clapperbrook Bridge on May 5. A fundraiser organised by his football team, Heavitree Youth FC, has received more than 1,000 donations and raised more than £23,000.

Neighbours have also been fundraising for the family of the boy who was part of their community and should have had his whole life ahead of him.

Cecelia says she wants to thank all those who have generously supported the family. The money will go towards paying for Delvin’s funeral, which is due to take place on May 29.

She said: “I want to express our sincere gratitude to the community and the public for their support in cash or kind at this difficult moment.”

Cecelia added: “He was caring, loving and loved helping the community by cleaning their cars, gardening and all little jobs like walking dogs. He was very smart and his bedroom was always the tidiest.