Robbie was carried into the church by his three brothers (Stephen, Matthew & Michael) and three friends (Tony, Garreth & Ben) to the song "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy Feat. 112 & Faith Evans.

We used this song as according to a few of Robbie's friends he had told them that this was the song he would want played at his own funeral.

After resting the coffin on the tressels at the front of the church the vicar, Adam Carhill welcomed the congregation and then commenced with the service.

View the order of service sheet
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In a moving tribute one of his closest friends Tony O’Connor spoke of the young man he had grown up with and the Reverend Adam Carhill told those gathered his death should act as a reminder to drive safely.

Robbie shared the interests of most teenagers – cars, football and music – but there was something more to him. As Tony said "Robbie was a great friend and ‘leader of the pack’ who always kept his feet on the ground". He told the congregation how proud he was to have been chosen to speak of a man who lived life to the full and how all who knew him wished it had been them not he who had died. He spoke of the void his death had left in his life and said no-one would ever forget him.

Kelly Eaton also read a poem to the congregation that she had written and placed with flowers at the road side. Read a copy of the poem.

Reverend Carhill picked up on particular point that he chose to use in his sermon. He told mourners despite the crash being nobody’s fault, Robbie hadn’t simply died, he was killed. He spoke of the detached way people view car crash statistics, adding that on paper they do not tell of the pain involved.

As we all know and the reverend stated by saying "Robbie was a good lad, and it is as a good lad we pass him over to God".

Once the order of service had been completed Robbie was carried out of the church to the song "No One But You (Only The Good Die Young)" by Queen. This song was chosen by Rob's mum (Carol). I think the title and the words explain why we used this song.

On the way from the church to the grave 12 more of Rob's friends carried him two thirds of the way with the original six pall bearers carrying him too and placing him over his final resting place.

The whole surrounding area was covered with an array of floral tributes each one carrying special messages from family and friends alike.

The vicar then completed the funeral by performing the committal service.