13 January 2024 , 18:23
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A boy killed in a hit-and-run was laid to rest today after King Charles III gave permission for the burial to take place in his favourite churchyard.
Little William Brown Jr, seven, died on December 6 after he was struck by a car while fetching a football from the road by his home in Folkestone. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was buried today at The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe in Folkestone, Kent after his mum hand-delivered a note to the King to get permission. Hundreds of people stood outside during the funeral because the 400-seat capacity church was packed out.
The grieving family campaigned to hold the burial at the historic graveyard as it has been shut since 1855. Only the monarch is able to reverse a closure order issued by the Privy Council. On Christmas Day, William’s mum, Laura, travelled four hours to Sandringham – where the Royal Family attended a church service – carrying a personal letter to King Charles to ask for his help. The letter was handed to security staff.
Just five days later, King Charles and members of the Privy Council revealed they would lift the order to support William’s family’s wishes. The boy's father, William Senior, said his son went to St Eanswythe's school and found “peace” at the neighbouring church site, where he would often go after classes.
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William Junior died at the scene (Will Brown Snr / SWNS)He said: "After school every day it was a struggle to get him out of the graveyard, collecting conkers and picking wild garlic. Our desire is to have William buried within the grounds. William loved digging holes and being a part of the earth.
"My son told me when he was digging that hole with me he felt safe underground. We need him where he wants to be. I am really struggling, we all are. I cannot begin to explain the pain. I am trying to use the energy I have to sort my son the best send-off and burial he would have wanted."
Before the service, William's coffin was transported through the local area in a white horse-drawn carriage, followed by a hearse carrying flowers. The procession started from William’s dad’s house, then travelled on to his mum’s house, and finally continued into Folkestone to The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe.
He will be buried at The Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe in Folkestone, Kent after his mum hand-delivered a note to the King to get permission (PA)Paying tribute to her son during the live-streamed service, his mother Laura Brown described William as a “best friend to many” and “unique spirit” who was “engrossed in the natural and historical world”. The song Lean On Me was played to start the service, while others such as Joyful Joyful and One Sweet Day were sung during the celebration of William’s life.
William's tearful father said: "I’m the proudest dad of William Brown and Pearl Brown.
"William was an easy-going character who often had his shoes on the wrong feet. He didn’t care about trivial nonsense, he was too busy making the most and being the life and soul. He was quick to forgive and forget, make peace and move on to positives.
"William always put others before himself. He cared for and accepted everyone. William's drive and determination was infectious and admirable. He'd unite everyone because he had that warm heart and loved bringing people together."
Explaining the decision to live-stream the funeral, William's father said: “The family wanted to livestream the service as William would have invited everyone. It’s really important to us that we do Will proud, and we get his message across. I feel that with a good send-off, with everyone coming together, he will be looking down on us and be really proud.
“He’s only seven but for him to have had an impact and spread good values of love and togetherness and forgiveness is important to us. Will would definitely have invited everyone. Maybe you make new friends at the funeral, or maybe you can reach out to someone.
“Hug someone and show some love. Maybe you may see a neighbour there and you can build a new relationship. That's what Will would want. So please make sure you attend. It’s really appreciated.”
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Paying tribute to his young son at the funeral, he added: “Will was loving and caring and he accepted everyone. There are stories of him playing football and people being left out and he'd go and get them.
"He'd unite everyone because he had that warm heart and loved bringing people together. Will would never make a big issue or a big scene out of anything. He'd just forgive, forget and move on.”
Addressing his son, he said: “I’m honoured to be your father, I have learnt so much from you, you have moulded me into a better person, I love you and I will always carry you with me.”
Nearly 1,000 people donated to a GoFundMe page set up by the family after his death to help with funeral costs and the remaining funds are to be donated to St Mary and St Eanswythe Church to go towards a new heating system. More than £21,000 has been raised so far.
The Bishop of Dover, Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkins – who gave a blessing at the service, said: “What is really good at the moment is seeing the whole community, and in particular the school community, coming out to stand with the family, to stand with the parents with his little sister. [That’s] something that they will always remember, that they were not alone at a time like this.”
A 49-year-old man was arrested in Dymchurch almost 24 hours after William’s death. He was questioned by detectives on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and perverting the course of justice. Currently, he has been bailed until March 6.