Christian Chandler: Family say all welcome to funeral of bus tragedy boy after 'breathtaking' support
The parents of 13-year-old Christian Chandler who died after being hit by a bus say they have been overwhelmed at the support in the weeks since his death.
Christian’s family, including mother Aimee and step father Carl, said the response from the community had been “breathtaking”.
And they have said everybody is welcome to attend Christian’s funeral, which will be held at Christ Church, Wellington tomorrow at midday.
Christian, of Leegomery, was cycling to school along Haybridge Road, Hadley, just after 8am on October 16 when the accident happened.
His tragic death triggered a social media campaign that saw more than £12,000 collected in his memory, which has gone to pay for his funeral and to help support his family. Midlands Air Ambulance will receive £1,000.
Carl said: “A lot of people want to pay their own respects to Christian, but haven’t wanted to ask us about it.
“Because of the gratitude, the love, the kind words they’ve offered, we’d like to invite everybody to the funeral. It’s the least we can do.”
Christian’s funeral is set to take place tomorrow from 12pm. It will be held at Christ Church in Wellington.
The family asked that although the service will be held in public, they would like to be given privacy at the crematorium.
Carl said that the positive messages and donations had made the difficult time following Chandler’s death easier on the family. “The little things have lifted the family,” he said. “It’s good to know there’s still really nice people out there in the community, and that they can come together. It’s been breathtaking.
“We’d like to thank everybody who has donated, and for all the cards, flowers and messages we’ve received. It’s seen us through this bad time. Christian would be over the moon.”
The family are planning to start an annual event in Christian’s name. “Every penny we raise will go to Midlands Air Ambulance and the Blood Bikes.” They’re funded by donations and get no government backing.
“We’ll run a yearly event, and it’ll all be in Christian’s name and honour. We’re already in talks for a lot of things.”
Carl said the family were especially grateful to Defined Ridez, a car club which raised more than £900 with a parade of almost 200 vehicles through Telford. More than £900 was raised during the event.
