Dessert shop in memory of boy killed in crash

The father of a seven-year-old boy killed as he crossed a road is opening a dessert parlour in his memory.

William Brown died in Sandgate, Kent, on 6 December 2023.

His father, William Brown Snr, said he wanted the parlour to become a focal point for the community which supported his family following the tragedy.

The parlour is due to open on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.

Called Will Brown Junior's, the parlour is decorated with murals, some showing William.

Mr Brown said: "It's been really emotional, there's been a lot of tears, designing the place and making sure Will's the focus of it all.

"It's been a roller coaster of emotions but it's positive, that's what I need.

"He loved ice cream, desserts, pick a mix, huge lollies."

He said it was also a thank you to the community for helping to make it possible for William to be buried at St Mary and St Eanswythe in Folkestone, despite it no longer being used for burials.

"It helped us through a really dark time" he said, "when I come in here I remember my son in a positive light, it's like therapy."

William's grandmother Rose Brown said: "It's lovely but it's very painful as well, because William was such a lovely boy.

"I'm going to be working here on the pick and mix. I think he would absolutely love it."

Mr Brown also wants to use the parlour as a venue to show road safety films to children of William's age from local schools.

"You'll leave with a free gum ball that has Will Brown Jnr printed on it" he said. "What happened, happened, and we've got to take whatever positive we can."

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