THE family and friends of Lee Turner came together on Saturday evening to celebrate his life after he was stabbed to death. 

The 33-year-old Park North man was stabbed to death in a field between Gorse Hill and Pinehurst known as The Venny on October 10.

Around 100 people came together to remember Lee at Coate Water Country Park by releasing lanterns and lighting candles.

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Lee’s friend Alex William Norris-Glendinning, who organised the vigil, described him as “caring, kind and family-orientated”.

Alex said: “He was like a big brother to me. Lee, you have always been there for me when I needed you and always had my back so it’s time we had yours.”

People wrote messages to Lee on biodegradable lanterns which were released as Alex’s three sisters Katrina, Kara and Krystel sang Sarah McLachlan’s Angels and as Katrina sang Dani and Lizzy’s Dancing in the Sky.

Loved ones brought candles which were used to form his name on the ground and there was a period of silence dedicated to praying for Lee.

Alex said: “The lanterns being released to the skies were supposed to symbolise ‘going up to heaven’ and lighting candles is like sending a light to the next life.

“He used to date my sister so he became a proper big brother.

“He would’ve loved this. He didn’t deserve what happened to him.”

Alex, 30, who has known Lee since he was 17, found out he had died on Facebook.

Reminiscing about his friend, Alex added: “He always had a smile on his face and he was such a nice guy.

“He stuck up for his family and his friends. He would always stick up for me when we were at nightclubs because of my sexuality and he accepted me for me.” 

Swindon Advertiser: Friends wrote messages to Lee on lanternsFriends wrote messages to Lee on lanterns

Marie Louise Ashworth, who knew Lee for more than 20 years, attended the vigil. 

She said: “It was an amazing turnout. 

“It was so beautiful for everyone to be there for such a special person. He was there in spirit.

“I’m cut up about it, I’m in bits. He was such a lovely guy and he is going to be missed by everyone who knew him.”

Some friends and relatives wore t-shirts with the messages #justiceforlee and #dontletknivestakelives. 

 

Alex said the t-shirts are part of their campaign against knife crime in the wake of Lee’s death.

He added: “No one should have gone the way he did and he’s touched a lot of hearts.”

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Lee’s family thanked Alex for organising the vigil.

A 17-year-old boy will appear in court today after being charged with Lee's murder.

The youth, who is from the London area but cannot be named for legal reasons, has also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

The murder suspect is in police custody and will appear before Swindon Magistrates’ Court today.

An 18-year-old man, who was also arrested in connection with the attack, has been released on conditional bail and a 24-year-old man has been released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “I would like to pay tribute to Lee’s family for their dignity and support during this ongoing investigation as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one."