Family and friends held a thanksgiving service in Hove this afternoon to remember 14-year-old Declan Hubert who died after being knocked down on his paper round.
Hundreds of people filled and spilt out of a marquee on St Helen’s Green in Hangleton.
Declan’s father Jeremy was among those paying tribute to him. Many of his friends also spoke movingly.
Mr Hubert and his wife Caroline had previously said how touched they were by the overwhelming support that they had received since the accident in Hangleton Road on Friday 6 May.
The couple, from Hangleton Manor Close, yards from St Helen’s Green, were surrounded by members of local church congregations including the Oasis Christian Fellowship, in Hangleton Way, opposite the green.
One of those present said that it was “an extraordinarily moving service” and that they were overwhelmed by the strength of Declan’s parents.
Another said that it was a “real celebration of life” with balloons, banners and worship. “It was a party, though touched with sadness that a person should be taken so early.”
Declan, the third of eight children, died on Sunday 8 May, two days after the accident.