Olly Stephens: funeral for teenager who died in Emmer Green stabbing

The funeral of 13-year-old Olly Stephens was held at Reading Crematorium this morning at 11.30am.

Ahead of the ceremony, family, friends, and those touched by his tragic death lined the streets as the funeral cortege drove past.

ALSO READ: Mourners line the streets for funeral of 13-year-old stabbing victim Olly Stephens

Many dressed in red as this was Olly’s favourite colour.

The cortege drove through parts of Emmer Green including past Olly’s old schools Highdown School and Emmer Green Primary, where staff stood outside to pay their respects to the former pupil.

At the final part of the journey, the cortege was joined by a rider from the Bike Stormz group, which is a youth pro-cycling, anti-knife crime group.

READ ALSO: Olly Stephens: Leave a tribute for the teenager

Mourners fell silent as the cortege drove slowly down All Hallows Road, before many people threw single red roses onto the vehicle to pay their respects as others clapped for Olly.

The hearse was full of personal touches including what appeared to be a burger and coke can created with flowers on top of the coffin which was covered in pictures of colourful sweets. 

Flowers also had a heart followed by 'U Olly', a heart followed by 'U Bro', and a rainbow was also created in Olly's memory.

The service was held in private for the family, but mourners followed the cortege into the crematorium grounds and up to the chapel where the ceremony was played on speakers.

As Olly’s coffin went into the chapel, Build Me Up Buttercup was playing.

The lady leading the service said: “We remember and we celebrate everything that made Olly, Olly.”

She added: “We remember, we celebrate, we will never forget.”

She also mentioned his “individuality” and love of music.

The music chosen by the family was enjoyed by Olly including Stolen Dance by Milky Chance.

CLICK HERE to leave your own tribute to Olly

A video was also played inside the chapel with tributes from Olly’s friends and mourners saying goodbye to Olly. Some were from people who didn’t know him but had been touched by his story.

Among those who turned out to pay their respects was Billy Baker who organised the fundraiser for Olly's family which has since raised more than £20,000.

He said: "It feels good that is it going to a great cause."

Speaking about the turn out for Olly today, he added: "It is amazing. It just shows how much support Olly had."

The fundraiser has since raised an incredible £21,145 and money raised will go towards the funeral, supporting the family, and to charities tackling knife crime.

Also among those paying their respects was Reading East MP Matt Rodda who said: “This has been the most awful tragedy which has deeply affected our whole community and everybody is thinking about Olly’s family and friends at this awful time.”

It is believed floral tributes along with any red roses will be moved to Bugs Bottom in Emmer Green later today where the family are planning to light the area with tealights.

Olly died in Bugs Bottom fields on Sunday, January 3.

ALSO READ: This is why we can't name the teenagers charged with Olly Stephens murder

A 13-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named, are charged with murder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm in connection with Olly's death.

The girl is also charged with perverting the course of justice.

It is expected the trio will next appear at a pre-trial hearing at Reading Crown Court on March 1.