HEARTBROKEN teenagers donned blue and rode their bikes behind the hearse of their 13-year-old friend Jack Worwood yesterday, as his funeral took place.
Former Hope Academy pupil Jack, 13, was struck by a Jaguar car at 4.30pm on Tuesday, July 7 in Ashton-in-Makerfield.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died the next day.
The incident happened on Old Road as Jack, who had lived in Newton-le-Willows, was walking along the pavement heading to play football with friends.
His funeral saw the cortege leave his home and visit Byrchall High School, where classmates and teachers could say a final farewell to Jack.
Many mourners wore Manchester City colours and his hearse was also in the sky blue colour and draped with a club scarf.
Some teenagers also wore T-shirts featuring pictures of Jack as they cycled behind the hearse on the way to the funeral at St Thomas' church.
An online fundraising appeal set up to help cover the costs of the funeral saw more than £7,500 donated in Jack's memory.
Following the funeral, his dad Andrew Worwood took to social media to thank people.
He said: "I'm hoping I gave you the send off you deserved Jack , all family and friends and the community came together for you on this day.
"The sun shone for you like you did for me.
"R.I.P my little man sleep tight now and you will always be with me forever."
In a tribute issued via Greater Manchester Police earlier this month, Jack's family said: “You only had to meet Jack once, and you knew Jack.
“He was a rascal, but a sweet little rascal – cheeky, loving and soft-hearted. You could never be mad at him for long, as he’d soon have you laughing and kissing him again.
“He loved football, playing on his PlayStation and doing maths at school. He aspired to be an accountant and we knew he’d have done it, he was so bright.
“He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He was such a character. So adorable.
“Love you so much Jack – from dad, step-mum Tracy, step-sister Caitlyn-Marie, mum, step-dad Lee and big brother Connor.
“We are absolutely astonished by the amount of condolences we have had so far – truly blown away, and want to pass on our gratitude to you all.”
Liam Wilson, 21, of Livingstone Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield had been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and assault by beating of an emergency worker.
He appeared at Wigan Magistrates' Court on Friday, July 10, where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Bolton Crown Court on August 7.
A 15-year-old boy, who was also arrested in connection with the incident, has been released under investigation.
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