THE family of a Pershore teenager who died suddenly on Christmas Eve has paid a moving tribute to a loving and caring son, brother and uncle.

Scott Holden’s sister Kate Cook described her brother as a “genuine, lovely lad”, who “put 100 per cent into everything he did”.

Scott, who was studying for his GCSEs at Pershore High School, was found dead in his bedroom at his family home in Newlands on Saturday, December 24. Hundreds of people are set to attend his funeral at Pershore Abbey today to pay their respects.

Mrs Cook said the 16-year-old’s family and friends had been left devastated by his sudden death.

The 36-year-old mum-of-one said: “He was just this genuine lovely lad and I didn’t know anyone who didn’t like him.

"All the outpourings on Facebook and from his football club Drakes Broughton Rangers just show that.

“He did paper round and was hard working. He always loved his sport. Football has been a very big thing in his life.

“He had so many friends. It’s amazing the amount of people who have been saying he’s their best friend. It’s such a tragedy he's gone.”

Mrs Cook, of Four Pools Road, Evesham, said Scott was a keen sportsman, playing badminton at school and as a striker for Drakes Broughton Rangers Football Club’s under 16s side.

She said his love for his favourite team Liverpool would be reflected at his funeral.

Also a promising pupil, Scott had been tipped for great success in his GCSE examinations next summer and had hoped to study product design at A-level.

Mrs Cook said: “He’d rush to open doors for me. He just had brilliant manners. He would have gone far.

"He wasn’t troubled. He was a good boy. The fact he had such a future ahead of him makes it all the harder.”

A minute’s silence was held by young footballers this weekend as a mark of respect.

A memorial match in honour of Scott has also been arranged at Pershore Town Football Club in February.

Mrs Cook said the family were also overwhelmed by the support they had received from Scott’s school, football club and friends.

“They’ve gone above and beyond,” she said.

Scott was the son of Nick and the late Jill Holden. He was one of six brothers and sisters (four boys, two girls) and uncle to four nephews and a niece.

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