Isle of Man: Hundreds attend funeral for 14-year-old stab victim
Hundreds of people have attended a funeral service to celebrate the life of a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death.Christopher McBurnie, of Castletown, died in Ramsey on 29 May.The Abbey Church in Ballasalla was packed with family and friends as the cortege arrived with a horse and carriage. Some mourners paid their respects from outside as there was not enough room. Words from Christopher's mother Rebecca Parker were read during the service, in which she said: "He wasn't just my son, he was my best friend, my heart, my whole world."
She said: "Christopher filled our lives with laughter, love, and energy."There's a hole in my life now that nothing can ever fill."
Ms Parker added: "But I know how lucky I was to have had him - to have loved him and to have been loved by him."Christopher, you were light, laughter, and love. You are forever 14, and forever in our hearts."
Some mourners dressed in red and white to reflect Christopher's love of Liverpool Football Club. He was described as "football mad" and had played for Colby FC.The service was followed by a private ceremony for Christopher's close family.
The teenager died following an incident in the Close Drean area of Ramsey.He was found collapsed in the area shortly after 15:30 BST on 29 May and was pronounced dead at the scene, Isle of Man Constabulary said.A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with his murder. He will next appear in court on 2 July.
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