The family of three-year-old Noah Woods has urged parents to cherish every moment with their children after the little boy was found dead following a huge search in Suffolk.

Noah disappeared after becoming separated from a relative at a playground in Brantham on September 15. His disappearance triggered a major search involving emergency services and around 1,300 members of the public.

His body was discovered the following day in nearby Decoy Pond.

In a heartbreaking tribute released through Suffolk Police, Noah’s mum Charlie urged other parents to hold their children a little tighter and never take precious family moments for granted.

“If there is one thing we could ask of people, it is to hold their children a little tighter, cherish every moment, and never take those precious memories for granted,” she said.

Noah Woods’ family have paid tribute to the boy (Image: Suffolk Police / SWNS)

‘He was at the centre of our world’

Noah’s family described him as a “happy, cheeky, playful” little boy who loved to laugh and brought happiness wherever he went.

He lived at home with his mum, dad and baby brother, whom he adored.

“He was part of a loving and caring family, living with his mummy, daddy and his little baby brother. He was at the centre of our world,” his family said.

Noah was being assessed for autism but had not received a diagnosis. He also had mild hearing loss and experienced speech delay.

Despite those challenges, his family said he had been making progress and learning new things every day.

He had recently begun finding and using his voice, and his family said one of the things they would miss most was the distinctive sound of him speaking.

“His voice was unique, wonderful, and something we will carry with us forever,” they said.

Noah Woods was described by his family as a ‘happy, cheeky, playful’ boy. (Image: Family Handout/PA Wire)

A special bond with his baby brother

Noah was said to have been particularly close to his younger brother.

He loved spending time with the baby, entertaining him and making him laugh. His family recalled how he would follow his brother around and always wanted to be nearby.

“The bond they shared was incredibly special,” they said.

For the family, those memories are now among the many things they will treasure as they grieve the loss of their little boy.

CCTV of Noah Woods was released by police during the search for the missing toddler. (Image: Suffolk Police / SWNS)

Tuesdays at the park

Every Tuesday since Noah was born, he had visited the park with a treasured relative.

The pair would play chase, run around and explore the playground equipment together.

His family said those regular trips were filled with laughter and happiness, creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Noah was also described as an affectionate child who loved physical affection and enjoyed being surrounded by people he trusted.

“He loved to be loved,” his family said.

They recalled how he loved hugs and kisses, enjoyed holding hands and wanted to feel close, safe and cared for.

Every night, he would be tickled to sleep.

His family also remembered the mannerisms that made people smile and the warmth he brought into a room.

“There was something incredibly special about him that drew people to him, and everyone who met him remembers that warmth and happiness,” they said.

Toys and flowers have been laid along the fence at the Merriam Close park (Image: Newsquest / SWNS)

Family wants Noah remembered for his joy

Despite their grief, Noah’s relatives said they want people to remember him for the happiness he brought to those around him rather than simply for the circumstances of his death.

They said they wanted his final memory to be one of joy—of Noah running, playing chase, laughing and enjoying childhood.

“As a family, we want Noah’s last memory to be one of joy,” they said.

“We want people to remember him running, playing chase, giggling and being the happy little boy that he was. That is who Noah was, and that is how he deserves to be remembered.”

The screen inside the stadium shows a tribute to Noah Woods before Everton vs Ipswich. (Image: Getty Images)

Family thanks those who joined the search

Noah’s family also expressed their gratitude to the thousands of people and organisations who helped during the search for him.

They specifically thanked the Good Dads Club, Ipswich Town Football Club, emergency services, specialist police teams, their relatives and friends, as well as members of the wider football community.

A special tribute was directed towards football supporters and clubs at every level, from grassroots teams to the highest levels of the sport.

“The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we will be forever grateful to every single person who has stood beside us and remembered our beautiful Noah,” the family said.

The scale of the response had seen around 1,300 members of the public join emergency services in the search after Noah went missing.

Police continue enquiries

Suffolk Police has said Noah’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

Officers still have enquiries to complete before a file is submitted to the coroner.

For his family, however, the investigation is now accompanied by the painful task of saying goodbye to a three-year-old they described as affectionate, playful and full of joy.

Their message to other parents was simple: cherish the time you have with your children and never take those everyday moments for granted.