MORE than 600 mourners gathered in Alconbury Parish Church on Friday to say farewell to 16-year-old Warren Hay. The church, which was full to capacity, with many of his friends having to stand at the back, was awash with people wearing blue and white, the

MORE than 600 mourners gathered in Alconbury Parish Church on Friday to say farewell to 16-year-old Warren Hay.

The church, which was full to capacity, with many of his friends having to stand at the back, was awash with people wearing blue and white, the colours of Chelsea FC.

Warren was a Blues fan and their colours could be seen on many, including his dad, John, and twin sister, Rebecca.

The football-mad teenager's life was cut short after being hit by a car on the A141 on the outskirts of Huntingdon as he was heading to watch a match.

Canon Jonathan Young, who led the ceremony, summed up the feelings of the church congregation when he said: "If we live to be 100, Warren is someone we will never forget.

He added: "He died in a road traffic accident, and we may think something could have been done to prevent this, but today is not about that, it is about coming to terms with the fact that we will not see Warren again in this life. Let the memories of Warren burn brightly."

John Hay also made a moving tribute to his son, saying: "He was never afraid to kiss me in public and say 'I love you dad'. For that I was very proud."

Flowers in the shape of footballs were laid at Warren's grave, which overlooks the nearby football ground where he used to play for Alconbury FC under 16s. And after the funeral, in a fitting tribute to Warren, youngsters took to the football pitch for a kick-about.

John Dunleavy, manager of Huntingdon Rowdies under 16s, one of Warren's former clubs, said: "It was a beautiful send-off."

Warren, who lived in Alconbury, died on Sunday, May 13, five days after being hit by a car as he crossed the A141 close to the Kings Ripton junction.

He had been walking with friends to watch Huntingdon Rowdies play at Jubliee Park.

Since his death more than 4,000 people have signed a petition to call for a pedestrian bridge to be built across the A141 and for a cycleway and footpath to be installed on Kings Ripton road, leading to Jubilee Park.

Mr Dunleavy, who is helping to lead the A141 action group, said: "The campaign is gaining more and more support every day and it is now about taking it to the next stage."

Representatives of the action group are expected to meet with Mac McGuire, transport and access portfolio holder at Cambridgeshire County Council, to discuss their options.

INFORMATION: To support the campaign contact Mr Dunleavy on 07756 577015. Anyone with information in relation to the accident should contact Cambridgeshire police on 0845 4564564.

To leave messages in memory of Warren visit www.huntspost.co.uk

Letter of thanks from Warren's family:

As a family, our world darkened when our beautiful boy was taken from us. It has since, however, been lightened by the love and compassion of many people.

The much-maligned police were, in our case, comforting and helpful from the time of the accident to the present time.

The NHS has many detractors, but we must say that the doctors, nurses and support staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital, especially the paediatric intensive care unit, were compassionate, loving and professional as they worked tirelessly to try to save Warren, and at the same time look after his family.

The wonderful people in Alconbury village have given terrific support to John, Maxine and Rebecca, especially the social club and football team.

Children are often given bad press for yobbish and bad-mannered behaviour and all we can say to that is that the staff and pupils at St Peter's School and pupils from Sawtry and Hinchingbrooke schools have restored our faith in the education system. They have all been magnificent and caring.

We would like to thank Chelsea football club, who sent a wreath, and the players who sent signed memorabilia.

All this love was focused on Friday when some 600 people attended Warren's funeral, showing that during his short life he had been surrounded by love.

Although we miss our boy terribly, we have all been lifted by all the above and many we have forgotten to remember. All we can say is thank you and God bless you all.

John, Maxine and Rebecca Hay (dad, mum and sister); John and Elsie Snee (grandparents); and George and Shirley Cossington (grandparents)