Community's tribute to murdered boy

6:38pm Saturday 17th May 2008

A community came together to celebrate the life of murdered schoolboy Jimmy Mizen, exactly a week after his tragic death.

Jimmy's proud and dignified family, including his parents and eight siblings, were among more than 500 mourners who packed into a church.

In pouring rain, hundreds more gathered under umbrellas outside to listen as the memorial service was relayed over speakers. They included scores of teenagers, many of them in tears for the loss of their popular friend.

The 6ft 4in committed Christian died after being hit in the neck with broken glass during an attack in the Three Cooks bakery in Lee, south-east London, last Saturday. His death came the day after he had celebrated his 16th birthday.

Jimmy's family walked the short distance from their home in Lee to Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, in Burnt Ash Hill, for the service.

His mother, Margaret, 55, captured the family's dignity by making it clear that they hold no grudge against the killer who robbed them of their son and brother.

"Anger breeds anger, and bitterness will destroy my family if I'm not careful - and I won't allow that to happen," she said. "If you see someone today give them a hug because there's not enough hugs and love in this world and that's what's missing - just more love."

Fighting back tears and comforting his wife as he spoke, Jimmy's father, Barry, 56, thanked the many people who have given them support and help. He said donations will go to the local Scout minibus appeal for the "Jimmy Bus".

Mr Mizen also issued a passionate appeal, saying: "It does not have to be like this. People are saying something must be done. Perhaps we all just need to look to ourselves and look to the values we would like, our responses to situations in our life. It is our choice but change has got to come from all of us."

Jake Fahri, 19, of Millborough Crescent, Lee, has been charged with Jimmy's murder and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on August 21.

News in brief