Hundreds turn out for funeral of 10-year-old Everton fan James Greenop
2 Nov 2013 08:41
Two pall-bearers wore Everton team shirt with James' s name written on back
Funeral of 10-year-old James Greenop, from Knowsley, who was knocked down on Speke Road in Garston, was held today at Garston Bridge Chapel in Heath Road, L19 Funeral of 10-year-old James Greenop, from Knowsley, who was knocked down on Speke Road in Garston, was held today at Garston Bridge Chapel in Heath Road, L19
Everton FC footballers Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman joined hundreds of mourners gathered to say goodbye to a young fan who died after being knocked down by a bus.
The sportsmen joined 10-year-old James Greenop’s family and friends for his funeral today.
Everton’s Z-Cars theme was playing as his coffin, draped in a Blues’ flag, was carried in to Garston Bridge Chapel.
Two of the pall-bearers wore the Everton team shirt with James' s name written on the back.
Tributes to keen footballer James were paid at the service by his uncle and grandparents as well as two teachers from Whiston Willis primary school.
Tree to be planted at Finch Farm in memory of bus tragedy boy James Greenop
The congregation heard how James had a tour of Goodison Park before the game between Everton and Hull.
He had described the event on the weekend before his death as “the best day of his life”.
James Greenop who died after being hit by a bus in Garston James Greenop who died after being hit by a bus in Garston
In honour of James, who was head boy of the school, the teachers said no pupil would now replace him in the role.
The youngster was knocked down by a bus on Speke Road, Garston, on October 22.
The inquest into his death recorded a verdict of accidental death last week.
Football fans to honour tragic James
The chaplains for both Liverpool and Everton football teams paid tribute to passionate Blues fan James.
Bill Bygroves and Reverend Henry Corbett spoke of the teams' support for the family at a difficult time.
Reverend Corbett also read a letter from Everton manager, Roberto Martinez .
Everton FC manager sends condolences to family of schoolboy who died in bus accident
Pastor Rob Whiteway welcomed those attending and said he spoke at the funeral not as a pastor but “as a family member”.
On behalf of the family, he thanked everyone for their “overwhelming support” and encouraged donations in memory of James to the Wirral Autistic Society.
The congregation left the chapel to the sound of Annie Lennox's Into The West, before family and close friends went on to Springwood Crematorium and later Whiston Labour Club.
A Just Giving page in James’s memory to raise money for the Wirral Autistic Society has had more than £5,700 in donations. To donate go to justgiving.com/ Helen-Greenop.
Source: Echo
