Flying high for Connor
Crowds gather to release balloons in teen’s memory:
Hundreds of people gathered to release balloons in tribute to tragic Sunderland teenager Connor Brown.
They burst into applause as the balloons filled the sky above fields off North Moor Lane, Farringdon, Sunderland, last night.
GP practice receptionist Connor, 18, died after an incident behind the Borough pub, Sunderland city centre, in the early hours of last Sunday.
Among the estimated 700 people paying tribute to the former Farringdon School pupil was friend Carl Donkin, 28, who said he knew him from the nearby Dolphin pub.
Mr Donkin, who is from Farringdon, said: “He was such a lovely lad taken far too soon. He is going to be missed.
“He made such a big impact on the community, even people in their 60s and 70s.
“He would talk to them all.”
Another friend paying tribute was Kelly Carson, from the Jet Garage near Foxcover Lane, where Connor would visit often.
She said: “He was a beautiful person. Tonight is so emotional and what has happened is heartbreaking.
“He was just a lovely lad, he was amazing. He will be a big miss in the community.”
A second balloon release was held shortly after the first as more people gathered to remember Connor.
Many of the balloons were silver and blue with messages written on in tribute to the much-loved lad.
A red lantern with a flame inside was also released into the sky by those gathered.
Kieron Weatherall, who was one of Connor’s friends from school, was at the balloon release to pay tribute to his ‘best friend.’
The 19-year-old said: “I have known him for eight years and he was one of my best friends.
“The last time I saw him was the night it happened.
“I was out with some of my mates and I saw him out and said hello to him.
“I didn’t find out what had happened until I got home.”
He continued: “He was a really caring person and had time for everyone. “He is a big miss. “Tonight is all about paying tribute to him.”
Two men have been charged with Connor’s murder and are due to stand trial at Newcastle Crown Court on July 1.