HUNDREDS of friends and family filled St Mary's Church in South Woodham Ferrers to say their final farewell to Abbey Parker and Bradley Cooper.
The teenage couple were killed on September 16 when their motorbike collided with two tractors on the Lower Burnham Road, North Fambridge.
And as friends dressed in leopard print stood in the church grounds listening to the service on outdoor speakers, the families of the tragic pair have started a campaign to reduce the speed limit on rural roads.
Abbey's mum, Louise Parker, of Mayland, said: "It sounds strange to say it but it was an absolutely fantastic service.
"There were hundreds of people there and they couldn't all fit into the church.
"Teenagers get such bad press in the papers but I want to say thank you to all the young people who showed their support, it was overwhelming."
Abbey 17, and Bradley, 18, of South Woodham, had been a couple for over three years and were on their way to a charity motorcycle run for the Essex Air Ambulance when the accident happened.
Mrs Parker, who also has a 15-year-old son, added: "It's been so hard since the accident but we've had so much support from people it's been unbelievable.
"The mornings are the worst because you wake up and everything seems normal and then you remember – I just expect to see Abbey walk through the doors but I know that's not going to happen.
"She loved leopard print so we asked people to wear that and we played the Rihanna song Diamonds In The Sky, because it seemed fitting.
"Mr Ayling, the head teacher of their old school, William de Ferrers, did a reading that was so emotional. As a couple their song was Bon Jovi's 'Always' and we played that – I can't listen to it without crying."
The funeral was held on Thursday, October 11.
In a bid to stop another accident like this Mrs Parker and her family have started a petition which they hope to have discussed in the House of Commons.
"My husband's niece and nephews, Lydia, Liam and Jamie Griffiths have set up a petition to reduce the speed of rural roads from 60 mph to 40.
"You need over 100,000 signatures which is a crazy amount, but we hope people will sign it.
"I just really want something good, if that's the right word to come from this.
"I know I can't bring Abbey back but I would like to try and prevent another accident like this happening and hopefully by reducing the speed we can."
To sign the petition visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/39233. For more information email Louise at loulouparker74@hotmail.co.uk
