WEARING bright clothes and sunflowers, friends and family of Tony Ballard, the teenager who drowned in the river Severn a fortnight ago, gathered for his funeral.
Dodging the rain showers, hundreds of mourners of all ages packed Worcester Cathedral to pay their last respects to the 17-year-old, the son of Worcester vicar the Rev Duncan Ballard, who died after getting into difficulties while swimming with three friends at the end of June.
A touching tribute was made by best friend Will Smith, aged 17 who spoke about Tony’s lively spirit, love for life and said he would never be forgotten.
The Rev Dominic Melville also spoke of Tony’s “winning smile”.
Tony’s coffin was carried out of the Cathedral building while The Beatles ‘Let it Be’ song played in the background.
See tomorrow’s Worcester News for full report and video.
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