Latest news with #RebeccaParker
BBC News
27-06-2025
- BBC News
Isle of Man: Hundreds attend funeral for 14-year-old stab victim
Hundreds of people have attended a funeral service to celebrate the life of a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to McBurnie, of Castletown, died in Ramsey on 29 Abbey Church in Ballasalla was packed with family and friends as the cortege arrived with a horse and carriage. Some mourners paid their respects from outside as there was not enough room. Words from Christopher's mother Rebecca Parker were read during the service, in which she said: "He wasn't just my son, he was my best friend, my heart, my whole world." She said: "Christopher filled our lives with laughter, love, and energy."There's a hole in my life now that nothing can ever fill." Ms Parker added: "But I know how lucky I was to have had him - to have loved him and to have been loved by him."Christopher, you were light, laughter, and love. You are forever 14, and forever in our hearts." Some mourners dressed in red and white to reflect Christopher's love of Liverpool Football Club. He was described as "football mad" and had played for Colby service was followed by a private ceremony for Christopher's close family. The teenager died following an incident in the Close Drean area of was found collapsed in the area shortly after 15:30 BST on 29 May and was pronounced dead at the scene, Isle of Man Constabulary said.A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with his murder. He will next appear in court on 2 July. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
26-06-2025
- BBC News
Christopher McBurnie's mum pays tribute to her 'best friend' son
The mother of a 14-year-old who was fatally stabbed last month has paid tribute to her "best boy" and "best friend".Christopher McBurnie, of Bromet Road in Castletown, died in Ramsey on 29 May. Rebecca Parker described her son as a "lovable comedian" who loved animals and was passionate about Liverpool Football Club."He wasn't just my son," she said. "He was my best friend, he was my world, he was my life." A 14-year-old boy charged with Christopher's murder will next appear in court on 2 Parker said Christopher and his four siblings meant everything to said his death had "absolutely shattered" her, adding "it's more than heartbreak - it's indescribable". Ms Parker said her son was "football mad" and had played for Colby Football Club on the island for several years, where he had been "absolutely over the moon" to be awarded the under-12 player of the said she shared a special bond with "kind and empathetic" Christopher."Every night when he came home we'd have this routine," she said. "He'd come up to my bedroom and sit on my bed and we'd just have a natter."We were very open with each other. Because he had quite an older head on his shoulders as well, you could have a conversation with him about things." Ms Parker said she had been "getting flooded with photos and videos" from Christopher's friends since his death, which showed he was "just very well-loved"."His friends have sent me videos and pictures of him being the clown really, doing jokes and all that, and that was him in a bubble. Just the best." She said Christopher's funeral on Friday would be "his big day" and a chance to "celebrate" him."I don't like to call it a funeral so I've just been calling it Christopher's day," she Parker said the procession would start from the family's home in Castletown "because he didn't make it home, so I've got to bring him home".Reflecting on life without her eldest son, she said: "Everywhere I go I can see his smile. It's like I can see him but I can't see him, every memory's coming back."All I keep thinking about is the night-time, because I think that was our special time, just me and him having a little natter before bed. That was our time."The service will begin at TheAbbey Church in Ballasalla at 10:30 BST. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
