A schoolboy killed in a suspected hit-and-run has been buried in a historic churchyard that was “so dear to his heart” after the King granted special permission.
William Brown, seven, was killed on the A259 Sandgate Esplanade in Folkestone, Kent, on December 6 last year.
His father, William Brown Snr, said William had been trying to collect his football when the crash happened.
Mourners attending the funeral at St Mary & St Eanswythe Church, Folkestone
The coffin, draped in a Manchester United flag, is carried into the church
The King granted permission for him to be buried under a chestnut tree in the grounds of St Mary & St Eanswythe Church after a campaign by his family and friends. The churchyard has been closed for burials since 1857.
William had written in his school yearbook in 2021: “I feel peaceful when I am sat under the chestnut tree.”
Hundreds of mourners stood outside the packed 400-seat capacity church for the service.
Two white horses transported William’s coffin to the church, draped in a Manchester United flag and accompanied by items including a club football and trophy.
A floral tribute being carried into the church
A football and trophy being carried into the church
His father was among others who carried the coffin inside.
William had a “unique spirit” and was hailed as a “best friend to many” by his mother, Laura Brown.
“He was a child of God and he spent nearly every day after school in that graveyard,” Mrs Brown said ahead of the service.
“He would spend his time collecting conkers, foraging for wild garlic or generally digging, something that he loved.”
William and Laura Brown hailed their son as a ‘best friend to many’
Mr Brown said he was the “proudest dad”…
More information about this article Read More
Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2024-01-14 09:55:00
Sky News is a British 24-hour information television channel, the first in Europe of its kind, launched on February 5, 1989 by the British Sky Broadcasting Company.