Hundreds gather for heartbreaking tribute to brothers

HUNDREDS of people gathered at Coventry Cathedral to say a tearful yet beautiful goodbye to brothers Corey and Casper Platt-May.

Touching photographs of the two little boys were shown to the crowds on a big screen, while a video of heartfelt messages from loved ones was also played at today’s memorial service.

Every single person inside the new cathedral also held a lit candle in memory of Corey, six, and two-year-old Casper, who died after being struck by a car in Longfellow Road, Stoke, on February 22.

The sun shone through the windows of Coventry Cathedral as hundreds took their seats inside for the emotional service titled Casper and Corey: A Service of Love and Memory.

Led by the boys’ family and loved ones, hundreds turned out to pay their respects to the tragic brothers.

Corey’s classmates were also there to honour their lost friend, along with his football coach and the Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Tony Skipper.

The Reverend William Smith, Rector of St Michael’s Church, led the service and said: “We are drawn together by a tragic event that took from us two precious boys.

“What happened is heartbreaking in the extreme. But in the aftermath, the community has rallied around in the most extraordinary way. While we mourn their loss, we also gather to celebrate their living.”

A number of people took the opportunity to speak about their love for the brothers, including their grandad Kenny May.

He read out a poem he had written following their tragic deaths.

The poem included the lines: “Fly, fly little boys. Fly beyond the imagining. The softest cloud, the whitest dove, upon the wind of heaven’s love.

“Past the planets and the stars, leave this little world of ours. Escape the sorrow and the pain, boys you will fly again.

“Fly, fly precious ones. Your endless journey has begun. Take your gentle happiness far too beautiful for this one.

“Cross over to the other shore, there is peace for ever more.

“Your heart is pure and your soul is free. Be on your way, don’t wait for me.”

A collection of photos of Corey and Casper were projected to those gathered on a big screen with the backdrop of R Kelly’s ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ playing through the cathedral’s speakers.

A video of messages to the brothers and their heartbroken parents and siblings from other family members and close friends was also played during the memorial service.

The Reverend William Smith also paid a personal tribute to the boys and spoke of the joy they had brought to the world in their short few years.

He said: “When you visit their home you see the football and little green wellies that speak of what Corey and Casper loved. Corey was full of energy and life. He was always coming up with news things to do. In class he loved maths and the whole things about school.

“At home it was football. He was never without a ball. He was always on the go.”

The Rev Smith described Casper as a “cheeky little boy” who was always “driving his older brothers crazy”.

He added: “Ahead of his second birthday his mum asked him what he wanted - ice cream was his simple reply.

“In the end he had a toy ice cream cart that he absolutely loved.”

The Rev also shared a memory of the time Casper - described by his parents as “angelish” - pulled a TV off their conservatory wall.

Corey’s headteacher Rob Matthews, of Ravensdale School, read a Bible passage to the crowds.

A tribute was also paid by Matthew Hopkins, Corey’s football coach for Coventry Copsewood Lions.

He said: “Corey shone from his enthusiasm for the game and always had a ball at his feet.

“The happiest moment was to be the night before the accident. He played outstanding and was awarded man of the match. He had the biggest smile on his face.

“That’s the memory we will treasure forever.”

He also said that Casper was “full of fun and mischief ” and always wanted to join in with the older children.