Fan travels 4,000 miles to pay last respects to Mike Peters

North Wales Chronicle

2 days ago

David made the journey from the Middle East, where he currently lives, to attend the funeral in Mike's hometown of Dyserth. The service was held on Thursday, May 29 at the Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan.
Although entry to the church was by invitation only, thousands of fans lined Waterfall Road, where a large screen had been set up outside to broadcast the service. The gathering became a moving celebration of Mike's life and legacy.
David said: 'It was important to me because The Alarm and Mike have been such a significant part of my life.
'Seven years ago, I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and Mike helped me through so much - especially during the lowest point in my life. He personally gave me hope.
David travelled an incredible distance to pay his last respects to Mike. Mike had a big impact on David (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I was very lucky to have Mike in my life."
Talking about how lovely it was to see the turn out for Mike, David said: "It is a gathering to celebrate Mike's life but for many people this is also a moment of closing. To be here and support the family, to support everything he represents and the effect that he has made on people's lives will live on for generations."
Sisters Claire and Jo travelled from York and Derbyshire.
Claire said: "My big sister Jo introduced me to The Alarm in 1988 and they really spoke to me. Throughout my life, they enabled me to keep positive and to keep strong and keep moving forward. I think, because he has held me up so much in my life it was important for me to come and pay my respects today."
Sisters Claire and Jo (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Steph from the Lincolnshire Coast said: "I have been an Alarm fan since the mid 80s but Mike, through Love Hope Strength, really convinced me that I could do things I thought I couldn't do and he never gave up on people even when we were giving up on ourselves.
Steph wanted to come for closure and to pay her last respect to 'a legend' (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) "I just thought I needed to come and have the closure and pay my last respects to a legend."
Rachel Knol travelled from the Netherlands. Her partner Andi Badge was Mike's Lighting Engineer for 15 Years.
They have both been fans since the 80s.
Rachel Knol, who travelled from the Netherlands, pictured with her partner Andi Badge (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Rachel and Andi have been together for 10 years.
Andi said: "He gave me a chance to travel the world. Over the years, The Alarm has been so important. All the friendships, all the memories, it feels like family."
Chris Salt from Burts Taxis (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Chris Salt from Burts Taxis spent the morning transporting fans from Prestatyn Train Station to Dyserth for the service.
He finished his duties early; he is a huge Alarm fan and wanted to attend the funeral and celebrate Mike's life.
He recalled seeing the band perform a young man.
Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, issued an open 'come a are you are' invitation to Mike's funeral.
The talented and beloved musician died aged 66 from blood cancer on April 29.
During the two-hour service, emotional tributes were paid to Mike as well as reflections, readings, and music. Opera singer Rhys Meirion, who is being treated for cancer and had undergone an operation just 10 days ago, delivered a beautiful rendition of the Welsh song Anfonaf Angel and friend and collaborator Billy Duffy played 'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away' along to Mike's vocals.
Mike's wife Jules and sons Dylan, 21, and Evan, 18, were applauded by fans as they walked into the church. The crowd parted to allow the family to walk through.
Jules clutched a single red rose and Evan carried his father's ashes.