THE father of tragic Immingham teenager William Smith said preparing for his funeral service today has been his hardest challenge yet.
Hundreds of mourners are expected to be at Immingham's Trinity Methodist Church to say their farewells to the "amazing and brilliant" 14-year-old, who died over two weeks ago.
As reported, the Oasis Academy Immingham schoolboy was found at his home in Immingham by his grandfather.
His tragic death came five months after the death of his mother Alison Overton, 39, who died in March after a long battle with leukaemia.
Her funeral was held at the same church where the service will be held for William.
Mourners are invited to wear football strips or bright colours to the funeral, which will be held from 1.45pm today, followed by a service at Grimsby Crematorium at 3pm.
The teenager's tragic death led to an outpouring of grief among William's many friends, classmates and family, and many attended a memorial service at his school.
Hundreds joined in the release of scores of sky lanterns at Roval Drive park, Immingham, video footage from which – along with scores of tributes – can be viewed online at www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk
William is due to be carried in a red coffin to mark his devotion to Liverpool FC.
Despite being a devoted Wolves fan himself, Will's father Dean will wear a Liverpool strip, as will William's younger brother Samuel.
The dad's strip will be inscribed with the words "My Miracle" and his other son's will have the words "My Bro".
Dean said: "It is hard to say goodbye. It has been the hardest thing to write something for the service. There are so many happy memories that we shared.
"Will was such a keen Liverpool supporter."
He said his son was often referred to in the neighbourhood as Immingham's answer to Joey Essex, from TV series The Only Way Is Essex, because he was so good looking.
Stacey Callaghan wrote on the Facebook tribute page: "Been two weeks kid. Saying goodbye on Wednesday is going be hard but everyone will keep strong for you. "We're not really saying goodbye. That's just a word because you're still with us in our hearts. Love you and miss you."
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