The funeral of Olly Stephens takes place in Reading
Hundreds of people line the route to pay their respects
Last updated 5th Feb 2021
The family of Olly Stephens who was stabbed to death at a beauty spot in Reading have described him at his funeral service as a loving, caring, funny soul who would stick up for the underdog''.
Stuart Stephens, father of 13-year-old Oliver Lucas Stephens, said his son touched so many lives without either us or himself knowing it'' during a service at Reading Crematorium on Friday.
The teenager, known to friends as Olly, was fatally attacked at Bugs Bottom fields, Emmer Green, in Reading, on January 3.
Hundreds lined the streets to pay their respects, throwing red roses as the funeral procession made its way to the crematorium.
On the way it passed his former schools at Emmer Green Primary and Highdown. Outside Highdown the school headteacher, along with other staff and the local MP Matt Rodda stood to pay their respects.
Many people wore red which was Olly's favourite colour.
The brightly covered coffin, adorned with pictures of sweets, was accompanied by floral bouquets resembling a rainbow, a burger and a cola can, while another arrangement carried the message: Love you bro.''
Mounted Thames Valley Police officers accompanied the hearse for the final section of the journey.
His father told mourners his son would be "embarrassed'' by the fuss.
Mr Stephens added: "Olly was so full of promise, goals, and ambitions.
"We would dream of winning the lottery just so we could spend more time together and help other people improve their lives.
"Although this stage of his life was awkward for him, we felt he was finally accepting his autism on the morning of his passing.
"We had fought this battle and won, but the war was yet to come.''
Mr Stephens also thanked the community and the emergency services for their support following Olly's death, which he said shattered our lives with the force of a baby rhino''.
He said: "Please remember Olly as a loving, caring, funny soul who would stick up for the underdog, who would never back down from injustice, prejudice, inequality or cruelty.
"We will, God bless you son.
"Be a wolf and not a sheep, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, fly so very high.''
As Olly’s coffin went into the chapel, Build Me Up Buttercup was playing.
The lady leading the service said: “We remember and we celebrate everything that made Olly, Olly.”
She added: “We remember, we celebrate, we will never forget.”
She also mentioned his “individuality” and love of music.
The music chosen by the family was enjoyed by Olly including Stolen Dance by Milky Chance.
A video was also played inside the chapel with tributes from Olly’s friends and mourners saying goodbye to Olly. Some were from people who didn’t know him but had been touched by his story.
Among those who turned out to pay their respects was Billy Baker who organised the fundraiser for Olly's family which has since raised more than £20,000. He said: "It feels good that is it going to a great cause." Speaking about the turn out for Olly today, he added: "It is amazing. It just shows how much support Olly had."
The fundraiser has since raised an incredible £21,145 and money raised will go towards the funeral, supporting the family, and to charities tackling knife crime.
Also among those paying their respects was Reading East MP Matt Rodda who said “This has been the most awful tragedy which has deeply affected our whole community and everybody is thinking about Olly’s family and friends at this awful time.”
It is believed floral tributes along with any red roses will be moved to Bugs Bottom in Emmer Green later today where the family are planning to light the area with tealights.
Olly died in Bugs Bottom fields on Sunday, January 3.
A 13-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named, are charged with murder and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm in connection with Olly's death.
The girl is also charged with perverting the course of justice.
It is expected the trio will next appear at a pre-trial hearing at Reading Crown Court on March 1.
The inquest into Olly's death will open on Monday, February 8.