Coronation Street star Debbie Rush was supported by fans as she set up a GoFundMe in memory of her late son William. The former ITV soap actress, who played Anna Windass on the cobbles, lost her son – best known for his stint in Waterloo Road as Josh Stevenson – in December last year, when he was found unconscious at home by his partner.

An inquest into his death heard that William died days later on December 17th, 2025, at Salford Royal Hospital. At the time, Debbie paid tribute to “our beautiful baby boy”, admitting that the family’s “hearts were completely broken”. She said: “There are no words that can truly capture the depth of our loss."

Now Debbie has started a public fundraiser to start a sports day in memory of her son, which will raise money for Andy’s Man Club – a men’s suicide prevention charity which offers support groups around the UK.

The bio on the page reads: “William Rush was an amazing young man who sadly lost his life at the age of 31. He was always there to listen, offering kindness, understanding, and support to anyone who needed it.

“William helped as many people as he possibly could, especially those struggling with their mental health. He was neurodiverse and, although only recently diagnosed, had faced challenges for much of his life with quiet strength.

“The legacy we want to create in William’s memory is one he would be proud of — continuing to help others, just as he always did.”

It added: “To honour him, we have started William Rush Sports Day. Every year, since he was a little boy, William’s summer birthday was celebrated with something sports-related, surrounded by family and friends. This was something he truly loved, and it feels right to continue that tradition in his name.

“Through this event, we hope to bring people together, raise money, and celebrate William’s wonderful life. Most importantly, we want to share a message that truly matters: it’s okay to talk. No one should ever feel like they are alone, and reaching out to someone — a friend, family member, or even a stranger — can make all the difference.”

The page has already raised more than £2,100 of a £3,000 goal, with Debbie’s former co-stars, including Jack P Shepherd, donating to the cause.