THE fundraising target to help a 13-year-old boy's family with his funeral costs after he was killed in the sea in Skegness has been smashed.

Justyna Lebiest, a friend of the family, said football-loving Kacper Biela, of Clehonger, died while on a family holiday in the Lincolnshire seaside town.

She said Kacper’s family have decided to send him to Poland and have his funeral there.

She thanked people for their support and kind words, and said it is greatly appreciated, on behalf of the family.

That online fundraisier, with a £5,000 target, now stands at £7,443.05 with 16 days left.

Hereford FC held a bucket collection in his memory and painted his shirt on the pitch ahead of their match last Saturday, and Kacper’s school and football club have both paid tribute.

Hereford Pegasus FC, where Kacper had played for eight years, said it was devastated and that the teenager was a credit to club and his family.

Head of Kingstone High School Lee Butler said Kacper, a popular boy going into year nine, would be missed dearly.

Tributes were also left on the doorstep of the family home.