Hundreds of islanders turned out to say a final goodbye to Callum Eborall whose funeral was at Vale Church yesterday. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0786108)
THERE was a sea of red at the Vale Church yesterday as more than 300 family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of road accident victim Callum Eborall.
It was standing room only with many spilling outside the church into the rain for the 45-minute service in memory of the 11-year-old Le Murier pupil, who died after he was hit by a motorcycle at Les Banques on Friday 15 May.
Callum was a Liverpool FC fan and many of the congregation, including teachers and friends from the Baubigny Schools, wore club shirts.
News of the youngster’s death even reached the Premiership team, who were so moved by the tragedy that Callum’s family received a signed shirt from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard inscribed with ‘You’ll never walk alone’, the song most associated with the city and the team.
The grass outside the church was covered in red and white wreaths and bouquets. Callum’s coffin was emblazoned with the Reds’ famous logo and was carried from the church to the sound of the club’s anthem.
The Rev. Kevin Northover, who led the ceremony, said it was a time for reflection and a celebration of Callum’s short life.
‘During the last few weeks, as each of us considered the untimely death of Callum, our hearts have been full of questions – chief amongst them being how did this happen and why did this happen?’
He added that those questions were not just in the hearts and minds of Callum’s family but had been heard throughout the community.
Mr Northover said Callum would be remembered as a ‘cheeky chappie with a cheeky smile’ who was a bit of a handful at times but was mad about Liverpool Football Club, loved sport and fishing and singing karaoke.
His family said they were thankful for all the support they had received since the accident – particularly from the police and the Ambulance and Rescue Service.
‘They have also been consoled by the fact that Callum’s last day on earth was so full of happiness and they were close to him all day long,’ said Mr Northover.
With the large number of people attending the service, police were present to direct traffic.
He will be missed, Page 5THERE was a sea of red at Vale Church yesterday as more than 300 family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Callum Eborall.
It was standing room only with many spilling outside the church in the rain for the 45-minute service in memory of the 11-year-old Le Murier pupil, who died after he was hit by a motorcycle in Les Banques on Friday 15 May.
Callum was a Liverpool FC fan and many of the congregation, including teachers and friends from the Baubigny schools, wore club shirts.
News of the youngster’s death even reached the Premiership team, who were so touched by the tragedy that Callum’s family received a signed shirt from Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard inscribed with ‘You’ll never walk alone’, the song most associated with the city and the team.
The grass outside the church was a sea of red and white with wreaths and bouquets. His coffin was emblazoned with the Reds’ famous logo and was carried from the church to the sound of the city’s anthem.
The Rev. Kevin Northover, who led the ceremony, said it was a time for reflection and a celebration of Callum’s short life.
‘During the last few weeks, as each of us considered the untimely death of Callum, our hearts have been full of questions – chief amongst them being how did this happen and why did this happen?’, he said.
He added that those questions were not just in the hearts and minds of Callum’s family but had been heard throughout the community.
Mr Northover said Callum would be remembered as a “cheeky chappie with a cheeky smile” who was a bit of handful at times but was mad about Liverpool Football Club, loved sport and fishing and singing karaoke.
His family said they were thankful for all the support they had received since the accident – particularly from the police and the Ambulance and Rescue Service.
‘They have also been consoled by the fact that Callum’s last day on earth was so full of happiness and they were close to him all day long,’ said Mr Northover.
With the large number of people attending the service, police were present to direct traffic.
He will be missed Page 5
Article posted on 9th June, 2009 - 2.30pm
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