Funeral For Hero Boy Killed In Oz Floods

12:04pm UK, Wednesday January 19, 2011

Ian Woods, Australia correspondent

A 13-year-old boy swept away in the Australian floods after telling rescuers to save his younger brother first has been buried with his mother.

Jordan and Donna Rice were laid to rest in matching white coffins, with the boy's casket on top of his mother to symbolise lying in her arms.

The pair died last week when a wall of water hit the town of Toowoomba and washed away their car.

Rescuers who attempted to get to the family recalled how Jordan insisted they take his 10-year-old brother Blake first.

Blake attended the funeral, along with his father John Tyson who paid tribute to his son and partner.

Photo: AAP Jordan has been hailed as a national hero in Australia

Mr Tyson said: "I don't think I can put into words just how much I miss them, just the little things, warmness of their touch, the sound of children fighting even, the smell of the grass being mowed.

"Donna cooked, cleaned, doted on the kids, the perfect mum. Jordan was quiet, reserved but also loving and very protective.

"The fire in my heart will continue to burn until my time comes to join them.

"But, until then, all I can do is thank you both, and tell anyone who listens just how much I love you both, and how special you are."

There is no end in sight to the flooding crisis which is now affecting Victoria.

Hundreds of mourners turned out to say goodbye to Donna and Jordan

People of the small town of Kerang were told to flee their homes because more than 100 were expected to be inundated.

It could be isolated for days by the flood waters.

Other towns are on high alert, with more riverbanks and levees at risk of being breached.

As the clean up continues in Brisbane, British Foreign Secretary William Hague was invited to see the damage by his opposite number Kevin Rudd.

Australia Floods In Pictures

Images of the Queensland flooding - as people try to battle on through the devastation

The British government has offered expertise in flood recovery to Queensland.

Mr Hague told those involved in rebuilding efforts: " I just want to say that in Britain we admire your fortitude and resilience in what you've been through and we were with you in spirit all the way throughout it."

More than £60m has now been raised for those affected by the disaster, mostly from businesses, but a third of it has been donated by the Australian public.