Funeral remembers 'special' Aiden

Family and friends of Shropshire teenager Aiden Brookes paid tribute to their "special ray of sunshine" as they said their final goodbyes at his funeral.

More than 400 mourners attended yesterday's service to celebrate the 16-year-old's life at St Mary's Church in Bridgnorth, including Aiden's devastated parents Kirsty and Ashley.

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Aiden, of Paulbrook Road, Bridgnorth, died on April 5 after part of a cave at The Hermitage, Bridgnorth, collapsed on him when he was camping.

His coffin was carried into the church by friends and colleagues from the Bridgnorth Air Training Corps where he was a corporal, while "My Friends" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers was played.

Following an introduction and prayers from the Reverend Angela Rogers and an address from Reverend Jackie Brown, Aiden's aunt and one of his best friends gave personal addresses.

Helen Bosman-McKay, from South Africa, where Aiden lived until he was 10, spoke on behalf of some of the family, including his grandfather Eric.

She said Aiden had been a "special ray of sunshine" who had a "special confidence". She said they were "so proud" of his achievements and he always gave 110 per cent.

"He was loving, special, considerate, funny and energetic. We are heartbroken Aiden, we love you and will never stop loving you till the end of time. Enjoy your walk through heaven and we will meet you there."

Aiden's friend Philip West said: "He made people happy, it's as simple as that.

"It was hard to feel worried or down when Aiden was around. He was so laid back and nothing got to him. He was there when anyone needed him and was a shoulder to cry on.

". . . Aiden never seem weighed down. He was wonderfully pure and every time I spoke to him I felt happy afterwards."

Philip said he and Aiden joined Bridgnorth Rugby Club together. He said: "I am very, very privileged to have known him.

"His indestructible spirit and smile will never go away."

A service followed at Telford Crematorium.

By Catherine Roche