Funeral of football-mad Henry

Family members, teachers, schoolfriends and football team players joined together to say goodbye to Henry Nugent. Emily-Ann Elliott was with them.

Friends and family gathered yesterday to say an emotional goodbye to nine-year-old Henry Nugent.

More than 150 mourners attended the funeral service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Coldean Lane, Brighton.

Among them were members of Coldean Colts Youth Football Club, the team Henry played for, who lined up in their kit outside the church as the funeral procession arrived.

A cream hearse carried Henry’s coffin, which was red with a Liverpool Football Club crest on it, the team he supported.

Floral tributes also spelt out the football club’s motto, You’ll Never Walk Alone, as well as Henry and Bruvy as six black limousines carried members of Henry’s family.

Many people, including his mother Louise Quick, wore red and white in his honour while his cousins and friends from Coldean Primary School wore football shirts.

Henry, of Newick Road, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, died after being hit by a car outside Portslade Community College, in Chalky Road, on July 31. The football-mad youngster had been with his mother and five-yearold brother George on his way to meet three cousins to take part in a day of sports activities.

His coffin was carried into the church by his father Danny Nugent, grandfather Bing Quick and uncles Justin Quick and Jess Nugent, while My Time Is Now by wrestler John Cena was played, because the youngster loved wrestling.

The Rev Rachel Gouldthorpe led the service and there was standing room only for many members of the congregation.

Ms Gouldthorpe described Henry as a “lovely child” who loved the cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants and Monty Python films.

She said: “Overall he loved his family and his friends. There were always different children playing at his home. He loved walking on the Downs and family holidays in Spain.

“He also loved his little brother George and helped him immensely and stuck up for him.

“He loved his extended family, his grandparents, his uncles and aunts and his cousins, and he had many special times together with them.”

Speaking to his parents, she said: “He was a real credit to both of you and had a good life. The last six months were probably the best of his life and it is such a tragedy he died so young.” Tributes were read out from members of Henry’s family, including his nanny, his grandfather and his aunt, Vicky Quick. She said: “I know you will be in our hearts forever but I would give anything to have you here again.”

Mother Louise also thanked the Coldean Colts players for coming, adding: “He really did love football.”

Family members lit candles in memory of Henry and Amy Winehouse’s version of To Know Him Is To Love Him was played.

Ms Gouldthorpe said: “Henry did bring light into our lives which is why there are so many people here today.

“Henry’s light will live on in our hearts and in heaven.”

Tributes were also paid to Henry from Phil Pilbeam from Coldean Colts. He said: “Henry Nugent will always be loved, always be missed and will never be forgotten. He will always be a part of Coldean Colts.”

Coldean Primary School headteacher Margaret Burdsey talked about the school’s golden rules, which she said Henry was good at keeping. She said: “He was certainly a gold star pupil for us and one that will shine in our memories for many years.”

At the end of the tributes I’ve Got A Lovely Bunch Of Coconuts by Merv Griffin was played. It was chosen by George, who liked to dance around and giggle to it with his big brother.

At the end of the service You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers was played.

The family then held a private burial at Bear Road cemetery in Brighton before holding a party for his friends at the church hall in his honour.