A young Scout leader was today laid to rest proudly wearing the uniform he had loved since he was six years old.
The funeral of Stephen Young, from Borough Green, who was killed in a fall in the Scottish Highlands, was held at Rochester Cathedral at 1.15pm.
More than 500 relatives and friends attended, celebrating the teenager’s life.
The 18-year-old’s mother, Judy Young, had asked guests to wear bright colours on the day to represent her son’s “amazing” personality.
Scouts were also invited to wear their uniforms.
Stephen was taking part in an annual Scout trip to the Cairngorms when he stepped on to a shelf of snow and plummeted into the void below on February 15.
He was airlifted to a hospital in Fort William from the 3,701ft high cliff circuit on Creag Meagaidh, but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a statement, Ms Young, who was also on the trip with her brother Andrew, 46, said: "Stephen was a unique young man who has clearly touched the lives of so many people. He meant the world to his whole family.”
Speaking after the ceremony, fellow scout and friend Dan Britwell spoke of the “fitting tribute” for Stephen.
The 19-year-old said: “It was a very moving service.
“It was one of those things that you are never going to be ready for and I’m sure lots of other people feel the same.
“Halfway through, we all sang the campfire song, which is a fitting tribute because everyone will know it is Steve.
“He was amazing and an inspiration – everyone looked up to him.
“He’s left a lot of people behind, but he will never be forgotten.”
Heather Dower also spoke in glowing terms about the former scout leader.
The 16-year-old scout from Deal said: “There are not enough words to describe him.
“He was the life of the scouts in Kent - he was full of life and energy.
“Scouting meant the world to him, but he also meant the world to scouting.”
Since his death, more than 2,840 members have joined a group on Facebook dedicated to the former Oakwood Park Grammar School student, with hundreds of messages, photos and memories being posted.
Many of the members were expected to attend today’s service which was conducted by the Rev Canon Brenda Hurd.
Canon Hurd said: “Stephen was an experienced Scout Leader who was taken from his family in tragic circumstances.
“He died doing something he loved and he was a wonderful role model to young people today.”
The order of service included hymns Jerusalem, How Great Thou Art and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, while the theme from the film Top Gun closed the ceremony at the cathedral.
Readings were taken from The Scout Law, The Promise, Philippians 3: 10-17 and a poem.
Following the service, guests were invited to join the family at Rochester’s Corn Exchange – where mourners were asked to write a last message to their beloved friend and attach them to 1,000 balloons which were set free near the moat.
The family requested no flowers, but donations can be made in Stephen’s name to Demelza House, in Sittingbourne.
Demelza House was personally close to the youngster’s heart – who camped in his back garden for a whole year in 2007 to raise more than £2,000 for the children’s charity.
POSTED: 09/03/2010 16:33:36
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