THE family of a student killed just before Christmas say they are determined to give him the best send off they can.
On Monday, January 19, friends and family of Ashley Woolley, as well as staff and students from The Boswells School and Chelmsford College, will gather to celebrate his life at Chelmsford Cathedral.
"It's a relief that we can plan it, but now reality is kicking in that we are burying him," said Ashley's dad Trevor Woolley, 45.
"Not knowing when we would get him back was the hardest thing, but now we want to give him the best send-off we can."
During the service, the family have said they will play some of Ashley's favourite songs, including tracks by his beloved Bob Marley, and have picked hymns and poems he would like too.
"There will be a lot of people there," said Mr Woolley, who lives in Bramble Road, Witham. "He did touch so many people and was a part of so many lives."
The funeral comes after the teen's loved ones threw a 19th birthday party in his honour on Tuesday last week, less than two weeks after Ashley, who lived in Rutland Road, Chelmsford, was fatally stabbed in the city's Oaklands Park on Thursday, December 18, while on his way to college.
"They did such a wonderful, fantastic party, and there were so many memories of Ashley," added Mr Woolley. "It was sad because he wasn't there, but it was humbling to know that they were there for him. He would have loved that party."
Other relatives took birthday balloons to Oaklands Park, and Mr Woolley said people have continued to put fresh flowers and cards outside the park for Ashley.
Chelmsford Council has confirmed that a more permanent memorial to Ashley will be placed in the park, in the form of an English oak tree.
The council fast-tracked the request over the Christmas period and it will be planted next Wednesday.
"I think it's nice that there will be a tree for Ashley in Oaklands Park, it's near to the college," Mr Woolley said. "And the fact that there are still people coming and laying flowers, it is incredible, they're not forgetting him. It is a comfort."
Ashley's tree is expected to cost around £100. If you would like to make a donation towards its cost, contact the newsdesk on 01245 602700.
