‘Love for Taylor is the only thing keeping us going’
Family overwhelmed by support after te en’ s death but appeal for calm after arrest sat vigils
The family of a popular teen who died suddenly have thanked those who have sent messages of love and support, saying it is keeping them going through this tragic time.
Fifteen-year-old Taylor Bowe died on Monday at his home in Dunscar, Houghton, despite the efforts of the Great North Air Ambulance crew.
It is not yet known how he died, with the results of a post-mortem examination having not yet been released.
Mum Bronia, 49, dad Thomas, 51, and sister Alex, 27, have been left devastated by the loss of Taylor, who had ambitions of becoming a chef in the future.
The family say that they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the messages they have received from Taylor’s friends and those who knew him, with many sharing memories and stories of the way in which Taylor has touched their lives.
Mum Bronia said: “We have been overwhelmed by the messages we have had.
“The only thing keeping us going is how many people are saying all the beautiful things that Taylor has done and how he has helped them. “It is lovely to hear. “I want to say thank you to all those children and friends whose lives he has touched, who have sent these messages to say how important he was to them.”
On Saturday hundreds of Taylor’s friends came together to pay tribute to him, leaving messages on balloons and flowers by the river.
Taylor, who attended the Link School, in Pallion, was a hugely popular youngster and had many friends from schools he had attended over the years, including South Moor, Monkwearmouth Academy, St Aiden’s and St Robert’s.
His family have confirmed that Taylor’s funeral will be held on Monday, April 16.
The full details have not yet been confirmed, but his family would like as many of his close friends as possible to attend.
Bronia added: “Taylor always wanted to have a big party so I want all of his friends to be able to come.
“He is never going to have an 18th or 21st birthday party, all those things he is never going to do.
“So the funeral will be a celebration of his life.”
Close family friend Jen Deighton, 46, who runs Jen Deighton Hairdressers on Sea Road, Sunderland, where Bronia works, will also be honouring Taylor’s life when she runs the Boston Marathon on the day of his funeral.
Jen hopes to raise as much as possible from the effort, with funds going towards paying the cost of the funeral service.
To donate to Jen’s Boston Marathon tribute appeal, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jendeighton-1
So far the page has raised over £2,000.