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Thousands raised in memory of girl found in pond

Victoria ScheerYorkshire
Family handout Nyla standing indoors in front of a chest of drawers. She is dressed in a school uniform consisting of a bright red cardigan, a white collared shirt, and a dark skirt. Her long, light brown hair hangs neatly over her shoulders. Behind her, the drawers have black round handles.Family handout
Nyla was described as full of light by those who knew her

Thousands of pounds have been raised in memory of a seven-year-old girl who died after being found in a pond in Doncaster.

Nyla May Bradshaw was reported missing in Skellow just before 10:00 BST on Monday and, following extensive searches, was later located in a pond on Owston Hall's golf course. She died at the scene.

A fundraiser set up to support her family has raised more than £14,500 in 24 hours.

Nyla's heartbroken parents, Kieran Bradshaw and Hayley Beardsley, said their daughter had been "our whole world", adding: "She brought so much joy into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her."

Bradshaw described his Nyla as his best friend, and said he did not know what the rest of their lives would look like "without our little girl".

He said: "You were so loved Nyla. I'll never ever go a moment without you in my thoughts."

Family handout Nyla and her dad together on a sofa. Kieran is dressed in dark clothing and has a tattooed arm wrapped gently around Nyla. Nyla is leaning in against him, wearing a light‑coloured T‑shirt with a small design on the front and dark trousers. They are seated on a soft, blue‑covered sofa, and a bright pink object is visible to the right side of the frame.Family handout
Nyla with her father Kieran Bradshaw

According to family friend Charlotte Cooper, Nyla, who was autistic and non-verbal, was the "sweetest girl", "full of light and amazing energy".

"I knew her her whole life, watched her brothers grow up too, who absolutely adored their baby sister," she said.

"She was just magical. She knew nothing of sadness, only love."

Cooper said Nyla had been with an Ofsted-registered childminder when she went missing, who had been recommended to the family via someone in the community on Facebook.

South Yorkshire Police have asked for anyone with relevant information about the incident to get in touch.

A force spokesperson said "the thoughts of everybody at South Yorkshire Police" were with Nyla's family.

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