Colourful farewell to talented teenage footballer Tom

Tom (13), who played for Wickersley Youth Junior Football Club, died suddenly at home of a rare heart condition earlier this month.

His death was the third tragedy to hit his mum Keira Hayden, who lost Tom’s dad Ryan suddenly at the age of 15.

Her son Joshua Donnelly also died on Christmas Day in 2007 aged just 23-months.

Tom’s funeral service took place at St Alban’s Church in Wickersley yesterday before his ashes were buried alongside his dad’s at Rotherham Crematorium.

Thomas Bothamley’s funeral service was held in St Alban’s Church Wickersley this afternoon. At the committal service that followed in Rotherham Crematorium Thomas’ mother Keira requested that the following be read:

 Speaking at his committal service at Rotherham Crematorium, Keira read a message to Tom's friends.

She said: "Thank you for the love and sympathy you have shown my family and I at this sad time. We are very grateful for your care, kindness and generosity.

"I am especially grateful for the love and friendship you showed Thomas. I know that he valued you very much.

"Thomas loved life and he lived it to the full. He would want you to do the same. So may I encourage you, as Thomas’ Mum, as together we cherish Thomas’ memory, to take every opportunity that comes your way, to be the best that you can be.

 "Take care of yourselves and each other. Be careful to make only those choices that are good for you. Do good to others. Make those who love you proud of you, as proud as Thomas made me."

A family fun day held in his memory on Sunday raised more than £5,000 towards his funeral costs.

After hearing about Tom’s death, neighbour Rhiannon Storrs organised the event at the Brush and Easel pub on Sunday.

Tom’s mum Keira said: “It was absolutely brilliant and the support has really helped us as a family.”

An online donation page, which Mrs Storrs also set up, has also raised an additional £8,756.

Keira said any money left over after Tom’s funeral costs have been paid will go to the charity SADS UK.

Preparations are also being made for a charity football tournament in Tom’s memory at his former school.

Nick Lockett and Richard Rawson, who are both former classmates of Tom’s uncle, Lewis Carder, hope to hold the event at Wickersley School on Saturday, September 4.

For more information or to enter call Nick on 07795 832896.