A fundraiser for the funeral of a boy killed in a hit-and-run has raised more than £11,000 in just eight hours.

Seven-year-old William Brown tragically died after being hit by a car in Sandgate, near Folkestone, while fetching his football on Wednesday evening.

A man has been arrested and bailed in connection with the crash.

William’s grieving family had hoped to raise more than £10,000 to help “give him the send-off he truly deserves” – but have since reached that target thanks to the help of more than 400 donors.

At least two of those donated £1,000 each.

The GoFundMe had already seen £4,850 donated by 2.30pm – just three hours since William’s mother Laura first launched the fundraiser.

By 4.30pm, the total stood at £8,390.

Mrs Brown wrote on the page: “Thank you for all your support. We all feel it in our hearts.

“Whilst this tragedy is incomprehensible to us all, we need to do what William always did, see the positive.

“That positive is that we are so grateful for the seven glorious years we had with him. It was nothing but a privilege.

“Therefore, we ask that you help us in giving him the send-off he truly deserves.

“Please all share William's love and kindness, let's try and make planet Earth as joyous as his beautiful kind eyes saw it.

“Let's all take a moment to be kind to each other.”

Those wishing to donate can do so here.

Earlier today, KentOnline reported how William’s father had written to MP Damian Collins in the hope of ensuring the graveyard at the Church of St Mary & St Eanswyth in Folkestone can be his son’s final resting place.

William Snr said his son went to St Eanswythe's school and found “peace” at the neighboring site, where he would often go after classes.

He said in his letter: “After school every day it was a struggle to get him out of the graveyard, collecting conkers and picking wild garlic.

“Our desire is to have William buried within the grounds. William loved digging holes and being a part of the earth, my son told me when he was digging that hole with me he felt safe underground. We need him where he wanted to be.”

The grieving dad added: “I’m really struggling, we all are. I can’t begin to explain the pain. I’m trying to use the energy I have to sort my son the best send-off and burial he would have wanted.”

Mr Brown said he was happy to arrange everything himself.

“I can arrange and pay for everything even down to the hole, I’ll dig it myself,” he said.

“I’m asking you to sort this out for me as a father. This would be William’s last wish. Please speak to whoever you need to and please make this happen.”

In an emotional video, William’s mum said the graveyard was his “favourite place”, adding: “It was a place he absolutely loved, close to his school… the children will walk past him every day and be with him, close to his heart.”

Folkestone and Hythe District Council, which owns the site, say no one has been buried there for many years, but it will look into the request.

Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Brown said the council will give them an update on Monday. Mr Collins, who represents Folkestone and Hythe, says he has made “urgent inquiries into the matter”.

Police say the fatal collision involved two vehicles – a grey Peugeot van and a red Citroen car.

The van left the scene in the direction of Hythe, before the arrival of emergency services.

Medics tried desperately to resuscitate William for 40 minutes but were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man was arrested in Dymchurch on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.

He has now been released on bail until March 6.

William’s devastated dad, who had watched on helplessly during the CPR efforts, described his son as a “gentle” and “wonderful child”.

“He was so excited about Christmas. My boy was a kind and pure soul. There are no other words for it. He was liked by everybody – everybody loved him.

“He was just full of life, laughter, love. He was always smiling. He had so much energy and it was just infectious, the spirit that he brought.”

St Mary & St Eanswythe Church is inviting the public to sign their book of condolences at the site, and light a candle in memory of William for the next week during specific times.

The hours are:

Today (Saturday), 4-5pm

Sunday, Dec 10, 9.30-10.30am

Monday, December 11, 9-10am

Tuesday, December 12, 9-10am

Wednesday, December 13, 11am-1pm

Thursday, December 14, 11am-1pm

Friday, December 15, 11am-1pm

Saturday, December 16, 11am-1pm

Sunday, December 17, 9.30-10.30am