At last, mum can say a final farewell
Mar 21 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
SHE was made to wait what seemed like an eternity to say farewell to her son.
But yesterday Bev Chapplow left St Oswald’s Church in Shiney Row comforted in the arms of her brother, Richard, clutching the memory, and a picture, of her 12-year-old child.
Jordan Maddison, from Fenton Terrace, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, died eight weeks ago – on Monday 28 January – after he fled two older boys who he feared were going to beat him up.
The youngster, who suffered from a rare heart condition, made it to the safety of a friend’s house where he collapsed, later dying in Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Yesterday a crowd of more than 100 turned up to say goodbye to the popular youngster.
Mrs Chapplow could not bear to pay public tribute, but wrote: “To my wonderful son Jordan. I will always love you. You will be forever in my thoughts. Love you all the world.”
To reflect Jordan’s passion for football, his coffin bore the crest of Newcastle United Football Club.
Jordan’s father, Cameron Maddison, 32, also attended the service which, instead of focusing on Jordan’s tragic death, celebrated his bright life.
The Reverend Malcolm Gourley, who conducted the service, said: “The death of a child of any age represents the death of so much potential, and makes us question why.
“But Jordan has lived a completed life and there is much to celebrate, packing more into 12 years than many people three time his age.
“From the photos hanging on his parents’ walls, I saw a smiling face full of mischief.
“There was something of a free spirit about Jordan.
“He enjoyed being out playing with his friends, he was always active, never still. He loved a good laugh and practical joke. He had a wonderful capacity for making friends.”
Moving tributes were also paid by schoolmates Kayleigh, Catherine and Tasha.
And the service was punctuated by his favourite songs, including the Sugababes’s Change, Alecia Keys’s No one and DJ Alex’s Now you are gone .
Dan Warburton
