The family of Olly Stephens are holding a memorial service in their lost loved one’s memory a year on from his tragic death.
Amanda and Stuart Stephens, 13-year-old Olly’s parents, have invited the entire Reading community – particularly those in Emmer Green – to join them at St Barnabas Church, in St Barnabas Road, to remember their son on January 3.
The service will take place from 3pm to 4pm at the same church where Olly’s vigil was held – a year to the day after his life was taken in heart-breaking circumstances at Bugs Bottom Fields.
The memorial event inside the church will be open only to close friends and family, but the entire service will be played out on loudspeakers outside the church so that well-wishers who want to celebrate the youngster’s life can gather and appreciate the emotional anniversary.
Speaking to the Reading Chronicle, Stuart Stephens said that he wanted the people who knew and loved Ollie to join them on the day to remember his son.
He said: “We would like to invite the community, particularly Emmer Green.
“One of the most powerful things to come out of this is the community – people don’t realise how much power they have.”
After their son was taken from them, Stuart and Amanda have been taken aback by the Reading community’s response, with people offering to help, support, and be with the family during their darkest days.
Stuart also hopes to use the event as a way to thank the many community groups in the Emmer Green and wider Reading area that he has worked with since Olly’s death, in the hope that other youngsters will see how they can benefit from them.
Stuart said: “These people are underrated and underappreciated and we want to tip our hats to people like them.
“The kids have been confined for so long, left on their phones, and it’s got out of control.
“There needs to be a bit of nurturing, they need people to look up to, they need help.”
After the event, Amanda and Stuart hope they can start focusing their energy on causes they are passionate about – helping vulnerable teenagers away from dangerous paths, and raising awareness about the dangers of carrying knives.
![Reading Chronicle: The British Ironworks Centre's Knife Angel is more than eight metres tall [Domersr]](/resources/images/13323563.jpg?type=mds-article-620 "Reading Chronicle: The British Ironworks Centre's Knife Angel is more than eight metres tall [Domersr]")
Stuart said that he had been in contact with the British Ironwork Centre about its knife angel sculpture – built with hundreds of thousands of blades surrendered in amnesty boxes - about bringing the striking piece of art to Reading.
He is also vehemently supporting the Online Harms Bill, which is making its way through parliament.
All those who wish to come to the memorial on January 3 are welcome to attend, and reminded to follow the Covid-19 guidelines and keep a safe distance from others.
Stuart added: “If people turn up in fancy dress, that was what Olly was all about. He had a colourful life and loved making people happy."
He said that on the day he will be wearing red and black, Olly’s colours, and said he would be delighted to see others do the same.
Those who attend the memorial are also invited to bring a candle, which can be placed on the church steps and lit following the service.
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