VIDEO: Cousins to hold fundraising night in memory of Will

Garry, Denise, Emma and their daughter Jodie Lee (mcvicker) from Finvoy Road, are planning to hold the event in Ballymoney Football Club on Saturday, September 20 to raise vital funds for the Will Funnell Trust.

Gary’s cousin, Pete Funnell and wife Kate from Coxheath in Kent, saw their world fall apart when their only child, Will, died in a high-speed collision close to their home. The 19-year-old was a passenger in the vehicle when it crashed in August.

Since the tragic loss, the family have held numerous fund raising events in England and Will’s father has even written an emotional song called ‘Night Owl’ to ease his heartache.

Jodie, who moved with her family to Ballymoney eight and a half years ago from Kent explained: “Our whole world fell apart when we lost Will. He was my second cousin but my dad and Will’s dad were like brothers and so Will and I were extremely close too.

“He was such a great person, always the life and soul of the party and is sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Channelling their grief into something positive, Will’s parents recently launch The Will Funnell Trust which aims to help bereaved families throughout the UK. They wanted to help other parents who have lost children in tragic circumstances.

“So far in England they have held various fund raising events including a charity golf match and memorial day which was a great success. My parents and I went over for it and took with us signed clothing and photographs from local golfers Darren Clarke and Graham McDowell who are hopefully supporting the charity.

“Uncle Pete has also teamed up with singer songwriter Nick John Wilson, who taught Will how to play guitar, to record a tribute single called Night Owl to help raise funds for the Trust. The single was released in May, on Will’s 20th birthday.”

Highlighting the fund raising event in Ballymoney Football Club, Jodie continued: “I wanted to do something in Ballymoney to help raise vital funds for The Will Funnell Trust. I’ve only been here over eight years but I know that the local community are always very supportive of such charitable events and I’m hopping they will help me.

“The event will be held at the local Football Club on Saturday, September 20. Nick John Wilson will come over to do the event and will be singing Will’s song. There will also be copies of the single on sale and other merchandise although copies are already available by downloading it from iTunes or by visiting www.nickjohnwilson.co.uk

“Other details have not yet been confirmed but its going to be an amazing event and hopefully, with the help of the Ballymoney community, its going to raise lots of money for other bereaved families.”

Pete, Kate and Will loved their visits toBallymoney. One special visit that sticks out for Pete and Kate was a karaoke night in the Bush Tavern.

Pete and Kate wish to express their thanks to those in the Ballymoney area who have sent well wish and messages of support.