Public invited to pay respects to tragic teen
THE funeral of a teenager who drowned while swimming in a reservoir is to be held next week and anyone who wishes to pay their respects is invited.
Paul Lawson, 16, died at Greenbooth Reservoir in Rochdale during last week’s heatwave.
The Hopwood Hall College student was cooling off with pals at the beauty spot, near Norden, on Monday, June 19, when he got into difficulties.
Relatives have now announced his funeral will be held at 1.40pm on Friday, July 7, at Rochdale Crematorium and they have invited the public to attend.
A post on the Paul Lawson Safe Waters Appeal Facebook page, which was set up by Paul’s family to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water, said: “Paul will be at his home from 1.15pm ready to set off to Rochdale Crematorium.
“For anyone who wishes to follow him to the crematorium please be there in good time to set off.
“The general public are being welcomed to his service, if they wish to pay their respects.
“Please only family flowers and close friends flowers.
“Instead of flowers a donation to his go fund me page is greatly appreciated.
“Smart casual and bright colours is being requested by his mum on the day.
“Paul’s wake will be at The Norden Arms shortly after the service has finished.
“The family would appreciate some privacy at this time to be together with close friends, family and friends Paul knew personally.”
A gofundme page has also been set up in a bid to raise £5,000 to cover his funeral costs.
Speaking after Paul’s death his mum Natalie urged other youngsters to stay away from open water.
Natalie, 36, of Wardle, said: “You hear about things like this on the news and think ‘What must the parents be thinking?’ – and now I’m in that situation, there’s just a void. “I feel numb. “How many more families are going to have to go through what I’m going through before kids stop swimming in reservoirs?”
A major emergency services operation was launched after the alarm was raised shortly before 6pm on Monday.
The fire service said a number of specialist firefighters were sent to the scene alongside a mountain rescue team.
At that point Paul had been under the water for five minutes.
Divers searched the water but discovered his body.
An inquest into Paul’s death is due to be opened on Thursday at Rochdale Coroners Court.
To donate to the appeal visit gofundme.com/ paul-lawson.