Funeral for Newton Aycliffe teen Jack Woodley

Eighteen-year-old Jack Woodley lay inside the blue-coloured coffin, which matched the plumes and drapes on the Andalusian and Irish Draught horses.

Floral tributes spelled out his name, as well as Son, Bro and Nephew, and a hearse that followed carried more tributes, a photographic collage of tender memories, and a yellow and green fight robe signed by world boxing champion Tyson Fury.

The hearse carried so many tributes to Jack

Jack Woodley

Jack, from Newton Aycliffe, died the day after suffering a fatal stab wound during an altercation with a group as he left the fun fair at Houghton Feast with his girlfriend.

The moving service, at St Andrew’s Church in Aycliffe Village, was led by Reverend Jeff Anderson, and poignantly, If I Die Young by The Band Perry played as mourners made their way inside.

Mourners make their way into the service

Reverend Anderson said: “What do you say when we face the brutal murder of someone so young?

“How are we to find the words to express the pain in the hearts of Jack’s family?

“Words seem completely inadequate…all his life was before him.

“I know nothing that I can say will take away the loss the family and friends of this great young lad have suffered

“Nothing can explain away a tragedy like this.

“Nothing will replace the pain and suffering in everyone’s heart today.

“None us of want to be here.

“Everybody would rather be spending time with Jack.”

Moving words from Jack’s mother, Zoey McGill, who is now campaigning to raise awareness about knife crime, were read during the service.

She wrote: “My baby you will always be, no matter where you are.

“You have taken away a huge part of me but I know that your never far.

“Sleep well my boy and spread your wings.

“You’re now in the angels care.

“I will seek to find the brightest star. For I know you will be there. Forever and always 18, our cheeky but ever so charming blue-eyed boy.”

The funeral was held at St Andrew's Church in Aycliffe Village 

Jack was fatally wounded near the Britannia Inn, on Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring, at around 9.30pm on Saturday October 16.

After Jack’s death Mrs McGill was contacted by Lee Cooke, an old friend of hers who was homeless and living on the streets of Newcastle, when he was helped by the youngster who emptied his pockets and gave him all of his money.

Mr Cooke said: “I won’t ever forget his kindness.”

During the service there was music from Will and Stella, The One That Got Away; Dermot Kennedy, Better Days; and Christian Burrows, Two Again, a song he wrote about his brother who died when he was young.

A heart-rending message from Jack’s own brother, Jayden, said: “You will always be my hero.

“If I could do anything to get me cheeky but charming big brother back I would, but sadly I can’t.”

“Love you Jack. I don’t need to say goodbye because I know you will always be beside me all of the way bro.”

A moving message from Jack's brother 

The service was followed by a burial, toast with Newcastle Brown Ale and a balloon release at the graveside in West Cemetery in School Aycliffe.

The family wishes to thank Co-op Funeralcare in Newton Aycliffe for going ‘above and beyond’ to allow Mrs McGill to spend time with Jack and to grieve, Reverend Anderson for his support, Lewis Metcalf for the use of his speakers and Lea’s Flowers for the floral arrangements.

The Northern Echo attended with the permission of Jack’s mother.

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