Mum's pride at Jay's memorial service (From Gazette)

Mum's pride at Jay's memorial service

11:55am Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Helen Barnett

THE mum of murdered teenager Jay Whiston has spoken of her pride at the service friends held in his memory.

More than 500 friends and family gathered on Frinton seafront to pay tribute to Jay, 17.

Jay’s school pals from Tendring Technology College organised the event at Frinton’s Greensward in honour of Jay old who was stabbed in Marlowe Way, Colchester on Saturday, September 8.

Hundreds of Chinese lanterns let off across the sea as part of the moving memorial.

Jay’s mum, Caroline Shearer, 47, of Aster Close, Clacton, said: “This was planned by the kids. They never asked us for anything, they just invited us down to show they loved Jay.

“They are our future generation and I am proud to see them coming together.

“This type of thing is what you see at football grounds, not in a small town. The support is unbelievable. I can’t believe how many people’s lives he touched.

“So many people say they are sorry for my loss. But I correct them – he wasn’t lost, he was taken.

There was also a call from students for more people to come forward with information.
 

Dad Stafford Whiston, of Wivenhoe Road, Alresford, hugged and welcomed Jay’s friends, and handed out commemorative key rings to remember Jay by.

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