Family and friends attend funeral of stabbing victim

That was the touching tribute from Carl James' three-year-old daughter as friends and family said their final farewells at his funeral yesterday.

The note was attached to a small basket of white and peach roses.

Friends and family attended a service at the Holy Family Catholic Church, in Marlowe Avenue, for the 21-year-old, who was stabbed on March 4, before moving on to the Kingsdown Crematorium.

Carl's brother, Anthony, who this week told the Adver it felt like the world had crumbled when he heard the tragic news, was one of the pallbearers who carried the coffin into the church.

After the funeral Anthony, 29, of Rodbourne, spoke of the family's devastation at Carl's early death.

The church service began shortly before 11am and it proved too much for one young woman who left in tears after a few minutes.

She was comforted and managed to return shortly after.

Carl's mum and dad, Helen and Kim, walked side by side with his fiancée Emma and little girl Daniella.

The four of them stood supporting Anthony as he spoke about what they have been through.

"The family of Carl James are devastated over the tragic way that he has been taken from us," he said.

"We have lost a friend, son, brother, partner and father who had much time and love for everyone he knew.

"Our thanks go to the close family and friends that have sent flowers and cards to us as they have touched us deeply.

"Also our thanks go to the police for all their help and continued support while the investigation still carries on.

"We are fully behind them and know that justice will be done for Carl.

"We would like to be left alone at this time to grieve and move on so Carl can stay long in our memories and hearts.

"You will always be missed and loved."

Fifteen bouquets of flowers were left for Carl by those who came to pay their last respects.

One note read: "Dear Carl, sadly missed forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, Marilyn, Brian, BJ, Chris, Helen and family."

Another read: "To my dear grandson Carl, you will be sadly missed. Love from granddad."

And one read: "Rest in peace. You will always be in our hearts. Love Stephen."

Monsignor Jeremy Rigden, who conducted the funeral service, said the family had acted with strength and dignity in the recent weeks.

During the service the mourners sang Abide With Me and Lord of All Hopefulness.

Carl's godmother Margaret Evans, who taught him at Holy Family Catholic Primary School, and another of his primary school teachers, Francis Knight, shared in the readings.

Monsignor Rigden said: "I think that people felt that it all went well.

"They were able to acknowledge their feelings about Carl's death.

"The great sadness and sense of shock was something that was felt not just by the family but by his friends and the wider community as well.

"What I tried to do in the homily was reflect some of the comments made in the Advertiser, particularly some of the messages posted on the website.

"What came over very much was what a warm character he was, how kind and helpful and strong and also the sense of fun and mischief which was never malicious but very endearing.

"These are the comments that came over and I tried to reflect that.

"I think the family coped very well. It was particularly hard for them at the crematorium because that's where they said the final farewell but they bore up very well under the circumstances and have showed great strength and dignity in a very difficult situation."