A CHURCH in Meltham was awash with colour as hundreds attended the funeral of schoolboy Connor McLachlan.
Many of the congregation who filled St Bartholomew’s church in Meltham yesterday were dressed in sports kit for a celebration of his life.
Several of his friends and family wore shirts bearing Connor’s name.
The 11-year-old died on September 1 after a massive asthma attack six days earlier during a family holiday in Benidorm.
His coffin was brought into church, draped with a Huddersfield Giants flag, to one of his favourite songs, I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, by pop band Scissor Sisters.
The ceremony, led by the Rev Jane Austin, included poems read by family members.
Mike Whitfield, headteacher at Connor’s former school Meltham Moor Primary, paid tribute to the “cheeky” youngster.
He said: “He would get into various scrapes but one of the things that struck me was his honesty and willingness to forgive and forget.”
He said that Connor, who was diagnosed with chronic asthma at the age of four, developed a love for sport as he moved through the school.
During a rugby tournament, he insisted on playing despite his asthma.
Mr Whitfield said: “Despite his illness, he was desperate to take part. He would only play for short periods and was frustrated when I had to take him off.”
He praised Connor’s sense of humour, determination, enthusiasm, caring, honesty and his ability to forgive.
“At times like this, we need to hold on to the memories we have and cherish them,” he added.
Connor’s aunt, Julia Whitehead, read the poem God only takes the Best.
It includes the line: “God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.”
In a closing prayer, the Rev Austin said: “In his short life he touched the lives of so many people. We thank you for his smile that lit up the day.”
