Home
"Hundreds turned out to celebrate the life of an inspirational teenager who had touched the lives of the people of Bolton.
The funeral of Rhys Williams took place today with the day incorporating all that the 18-year-old loved.
Traditional black mourning dress was replaced with red clothes and Liverpool FC T-shirts reflecting his love of the football team.
Rhys, from Johnson Fold, died following a battle with a lifelong skin condition.
He died just three days before Christmas defying medics who believed he would not live beyond double digits with skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB) which caused agonising sores over his body.
The ‘bright’ teenager defied the odds and celebrated his birthday every year receiving cards from across Bolton.
The funeral procession set off from the family home, before driving past Bolton Fire Station, where a fire engine joined the cortege to Bolton Parish Church.
The service included hymns, bible readings and Rhys’ favourite songs ‘Grenade’ and ‘Just The Way You Are.’
Family and friends then went to Overdale Crematorium Centre for a private final service.
A red Liverpool hearse carried Rhys on his final journey.
There was also a special appearance from Rhys' favourite superhero, Captain America.
Mum Tanya said: “It’s been a hard day for us all saying goodbye to Rhys.
“Everybody wore red, and I know Rhys would have loved and he’d be smiling down on us.
“I want to thank everyone that has come today and joined us.
“Absolutely nothing can prepare you for losing a son, and we are all heartbroken.
“Rhys was an amazing young man, and he won’t ever be forgotten.”
The service at Bolton Parish Church was open to the public to say their respects to Rhys.
Hundreds of people joined the procession to the parish church in a touching tribute to the 18-year-old.
Labour Cllr Kevin Morris for the Halliwell Ward was in attendance.
He said: “What a beautiful service at Bolton Parish Church for local resident Rhys Williams.
“A wonderful turnout of people to pay their respects. God Bless him and may he now be at eternal peace.”
Two Lamborghini Huracans and a Chevrolet Camaro travelled behind the hearse, reflecting the teenager's love of sports cars.
When Rhys was 16, he had travelled to his school prom in a white Lamborghini.
A team of bikers followed the procession too.
Flowers were also left at Overdale Crematorium for Rhys.
Mum Tanya said her son had the ‘best send-off he deserves’.
A Go Fund Me page was set up to help the family, with a goal of £18,000, which has now reached £16,146.
Source