Heartbreak in Longwood as Josh Parsons passes away

The Longwood community is mourning the loss of little Josh Parsons, whose family was at the centre of a recent episode of 'DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland'.

The entire community was devastated to learn the heartbreaking news that Josh had passed away at Crumlin Children's Hospital on Monday.

A celebration of Josh's life takes place this afternoon at Newlands Cross Crematorium. The village turned out to pay their respects to the inspiring little boy with a guard of honour outside the local schools earlier today.

Josh and his family, mum Jenny, dad Glen, and brother Ryan stole the hearts of all who watched the episode of DIY SOS on Easter Sunday when the DIY SOS team came in to adapt the family's three-bedroom home in Brackinrainey Manor to meet their needs.

DIY-SOS Presenter Baz and the DIY SOS TV team sent their condolences to the family after hearing the sad news.

In a statement they said: "Baz Ashmawy, the entire DIY SOS team and community of volunteers, and everyone at Motive Television are devastated to hear of the loss of young Josh Parsons, son to Jen and Glen, who were the centre of our Longwood episode earlier this year.

"Josh was a fighter and an inspiring young boy, and his family did him proud in every step of his tragically short life.

"Our hearts go out to Jen, Glen and Ryan, their entire network of family, friends, and neighbours in Longwood, Co. Meath."

Josh is survived by his parents Jenny and Glen, brother Ryan, grandparents Dave & Audrey, Pat & Noeline, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is extended.