Farewell Christy

Family and friends packed Basingstoke’s St Michael’s Church, in Church Square, to remember the popular 27-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in an incident that is still shrouded in mystery.

Christy bled to death after sustaining a fatal wound caused by a tree branch in the town centre. His body was found in the early hours of Monday, January 26, by security guards near The Anvil footbridge.

The police have said that Christy’s death was not suspicious. However more details of the exact circumstances are only likely to emerge when an inquest is held into his death at the end of April.

On Thursday, the thoughts of the mourners were focused on how Christy, a tree surgeon, of Morley Road, Viables, Basingstoke, had brought joy to so many people’s lives through his lively and engaging personality.

The coffin containing Christy’s body was carried into the church by a group of his friends and the procession was accompanied by a recording of Pachelbel’s Canon, with words sung by Katherine Jenkins. The coffin was placed close to the font where Christy was once baptised.

After the hymn, Amazing Grace, was sung, memories and tributes from Christy’s close family, partner and friends were read out.

His elder brother Stacy spoke of the pride he always felt for his little brother.

He said: “I took my role as his big brother very seriously and invested a lot of time in him. Over the years, we developed a bond like no one will ever know.

“He was open and honest, had a fantastic attitude and was always true to himself – everything was just so simple to him and he was completely fearless in every sense.”

Stacy also read out a statement from his parents, Barry and Debbie. It read: “We loved our son with all our hearts. He was handsome, kind and considerate and we were so proud to be his parents. No one will ever understand how we feel. Christy may not be alive in body but his spirit is larger-than-life and will live forever.”

A tribute from Christy’s girlfriend, Hayley Tilbrook, was read out by the Reverend Rosalind Rutherford, who took the service.

Hayley’s words were: “To me, he was my everything. My love for him grew daily. He made me smile and made me laugh. My love for Christy will continue until the end of time.”

A tribute from Christy’s close friend Guy Bell, who could not be at the service, was also read out.

He said: “Not many people in life can win the hearts and minds of so many people – you have only to look around to see how much you were adored.

“Your insatiable desire for adventure, your infectious personality and your addiction to ham sandwiches made you stand out from the crowd.”

Christy was a well-known back-row player for Basingstoke Rugby Football Club.

Club chairman Doctor Steve Tristram recalled a “superb sportsman” who would go the extra yard for his team-mates.

He said: “He was one in a million. He had courage and always seized the moment – Christy we will miss you.”

Dr Tristram said Christy’s sense of humour would always be remembered. He recalled: “Once he had a false tooth at his disposal, and it appeared everywhere – in sandwiches, beer, chips and tea,” he said. “And he would always be behind you with his big grin.”

A recording of The Promise by singer Tracy Chapman was followed by an address by Rev Rutherford. She said that although she had never met Christy, the many memories she had heard made her feel she knew the “larger-than-life man” who lived life to the full.

After prayers and the singing of Jerusalem, the coffin was carried out to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s touching version of Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

A cremation service followed at Basingstoke Crematorium and a retiring collection was held in aid of St Michael’s Hospice, Basingstoke. Friends and family later gathered to celebrate Christy’s life at Basingstoke RFC’s Down Grange headquarters.

Fresh flowers have been laid near The Anvil footbridge, where Christy’s body was found. One of the tribute messages reads: “Rest in peace Christy, you will be sadly missed, with love from all at SERCO.”