THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for the heartbroken family of a much-loved schoolboy who died after being pulled from a Renfrewshire river.

William McNally, 13, was rescued from the River Gryfe, near to Auchans Farm, on the evening of Wednesday, June 2.

He was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children, in Glasgow, where medical staff described his condition as critical.

Tragically, police later confirmed that the teenager, from Johnstone, had died at the hospital on Saturday.

Later that evening, family member Jayne Drennan wrote on Facebook: "Our family will never be the same, our superhero William has left this world far too early.

"Thank you to everyone who has contacted us to pass on condolences and well wishes. Each one is hugely appreciated.

"Our family is in unimaginable pain and our priority is supporting each other."

Since Saturday morning, donations have poured into a JustGiving page that is raising money to pay for William's funeral.

Cheryl Burke, who started the fundraiser, wrote: "Sadly in the early hours of June 5, 13-year-old William lost his life in a tragic accident.

"His parents made the selfless decision to donate his organs and help save the lives of many other people.

"William was a character full of life and had many wonderful quirky traits."

The JustGiving page has so far raised more than £10,000 – well beyond its £500 target – and a flood of heartfelt tributes have been paid by William's friends on social media.

He was described as a "beautiful boy with a wonderful heart" and as someone who "could always lighten up a room."

The exact circumstances of William’s death have not yet emerged but it is understood the teenager was with some of his friends at the time of the incident.

David Wood told The Gazette he had been cycling past the River Gryfe on Wednesday evening when he saw three youngsters who were clearly distressed.

He said: "I cycled around to the site and saw three crews there.

"A lad spoke to me, saying he and someone else had pulled the victim from the water and he had no pulse."

A police spokesman added: "We were made aware of a teenage boy in the River Gryfe near to Auchans Farm around 6.50pm on Wednesday, June 2.

"The boy was recovered from the water and was taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where he died on Saturday, June 5.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

To support the fundraising efforts for William's funeral, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cheryl-burke-1.