Emotional scenes as much-loved ‘cheeky chappy’ is laid to rest after asthma battle

Kevin died suddenly at his home in Darwen last week, having spent the past six years battling severe attacks as part of the brittle asthma condition he suffered.

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Friends from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) and St Barnabas Primary School, which he left earlier this year, were among the mourners at a packed St Barnabas Church who said goodbye to the boy described by his mum Laura Partington as a ‘cheeky chappy’.

The funeral cortege made its way past DACA on the way to the church, accompanied by volunteers from the Blood Bikers group.

As it turned into Redearth Road hundreds of students and staff stood on the steps at the entrance to the school to say their goodbyes, with many comforting each other as they fought back tears, and others breaking into a spontaneous round of applause as the cortege stopped for a moment outside school.

Inside the church, Kevin’s family – including his six brothers – sat together as the Reverend Les Collinson paid tribute to Kevin.

He said: “It was only a few weeks ago that I presented Kevin with a Bible for our leaving service. He had finished an excellent time at St Barnabas School.

“He was so proud to get his new uniform that he wanted to wear it home from the shop.”

The service started with the Beyonce song I Was Here.

Midway through music from one of Kevin’s favourite bands, Westlife, was played, with the song I’ll See You Again.

Mr Collinson said: “His life may have been short, but he made a strong impression on his family and friends.”

The church heard of Kevin’s love for singing and dancing and his impressive school results despite his ongoing battle with asthma.

At the end of the service the Sarah McLachlan song In The Arms of an Angel was played. Kevin was laid to rest at Darwen Eastern Cemetery.