Tributes to 'superhero' dad who died in house fire trying to save his son
Four-year-old Ethan Mason also died a few days after the fire in Wigan.
Wednesday 17 April 2024 17:49, UK
A dad who ran into a burning house to try and save his son has been described as a "superhero" after both died from their injuries.
Barry Mason died on Sunday after he ran into the blazing home in Wigan to rescue Ethan, according to Ethan's aunt, Jessica Wilson.
Ethan suffered serious injuries and was placed in an induced coma in hospital, but Greater Manchester Police confirmed his death on Tuesday.
Four other people are receiving treatment after the blaze on Warrington Road at 2.30am.
In a tribute on her Facebook page, Ms Wilson called Mr Mason, 45, "such a gentle giant and a devoted daddy until your last breath".
She added: "Our very own superhero. Barry we are heartbroken.
"Words will never describe just how grateful we are to you, hold our baby tight up there."
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Ms Wilson set up a GoFundMe page to help with the funeral costs and to support her sister amid the tragedy.
Hundreds of people have donated, raising more than £39,000, and many offered their sympathies on the page and on Facebook.
Ms Wilson said the family was "completely broken" but thanked everyone for their "words of love and support".
She requested to respect the family's privacy and allow them to grieve a "terrible loss".
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Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue are continuing to investigate what started the blaze.
Officers do not believe the causes of the fire were suspicious, police added.