A town has been asked to turn red for a final tribute to a tragic teenager.
The funeral of Manchester United fan, Ryan Turner, will take place tomorrow afternoon, CoventryLive reports.
His family have asked friends to wear something in his club's colours and to stand on their doorsteps as his funeral procession passes to pay their respects.
The 13-year-old took his own life last month and due to Covid-19 restrictions the numbers allowed at the ceremony will be limited.
The final journey for the teenager will be from the family home in Hartshill, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, to the Heart of England Crematorium tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, February 11).
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, his funeral will be small and invite only.
But those who want to show their respects are being urged to take part in the send off.
Marie Stevens, a close family friend, shared the appeal.
"We are going Red for Ryan as he makes his final journey," the Facebook post reads.
"Ryan’s funeral will be at Nuneaton Crematorium at 4.15 (Family & close friends only attending).
"He will be leaving his house at The Woodlands in Hartshill at 3.45pm and passing both Hartshill School & Nathaniel Newton for anyone who wishes to stand and show their respects.
"We cannot encourage people to gather as you know we are all required (by law) to stay at home unless it is for specific exemptions. However we cannot stop anyone who wishes to stand socially distanced & show their respects when Ryan drives by.
"Due to legal restrictions numbers are very sadly limited for this service and all places have now been offered and arranged.
"Therefore please do not just turn up unless you have been specifically invited in order to keep the staff and mourners as safe as possible."
A fundraising page set up in Ryan's memory initially aimed to raise £500 but it has smashed that goal.
The total currently stands at just over £6,000.
The JustGiving post reads: "Ryan was just 13 years old. He was such a happy, loving boy with his whole life ahead of him. His decision to take his own life has shocked a neighbourhood and has totally devastated his loving family.
"Their lives have been ripped apart and as result will never be the same again. The simple fact is, no-one saw it coming. Ryan was living with his thoughts and made that fateful decision without letting on to anyone what was on his mind.
"His family and friends were completely oblivious to the fact that their lives were about to be turned upside down. None of them had any idea Ryan was feeling the way he was.
"The unanswered questions and the everlasting feeling of emptiness have cast a permanent shadow. A shadow from which the sun will never break through.
"The cherished memories of moments past will eternally bind those of us closest to Ryan and for that the blessing of our connection is the only semblance of comfort we have to offer each other through these darkest of days.
"Understanding what has happened is nigh on impossible for those of us who knew and loved Ryan, not least because the signs were simply not there."
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to if they need help.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
