Mourners attend funeral of Gypsy / Paddy of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding /To...

Mourners attend funeral of Gypsy Wedding star's nephew



Thousands of mourners have turned out to pay their respects to the nephew of reality television star Paddy Doherty, who was killed in a car crash.

Tom 'Tomboy' Doherty, 17, died after the collision in South Nutfield, Surrey, earlier this month just days after passing his driving test.

Speaking at the service, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and Celebrity Big Brother star Paddy said: 'My heart is broken. He was my nephew and his mum and father's only child. The look on them, they are absolutely devastated. 

Pall-bearers wore Manchester United shirts in tribute to Tom's favourite team, with the teenager described as a keen footballer.



He had also been tipped for international stardom in the boxing ring after being picked for the Frank Bruno Boxing Academy and winning Amateur Boxing Association competitions.

Speaking at the service, Paddy said: 'My heart is broken. He was my nephew and his mum and father's only child. The look on them, they are absolutely devastated.

'He was only 17 but he acted was like 30. He never drank [alcohol] or did drugs. I want to say thanks to Paul, the funeral director, for all that he's done for us too.'

The mass service, inside the Catholic Church of English Martyrs, has begun with the song 'Amazing Grace' being played while mourners wore red shirts reading 'RIP Tomboy'.

Paul Brown, the funeral director, told mourners: 'The casket is to be carried from the church by Tomboys uncles and cousins.'



Paddy and his fellow pall-bearers will be tossing Manchester United caps into his grave 'to smother him in United'.

The reality television star helped release helium balloons and white doves into the sky after the burial.

He added: 'Our children bury us, we don't bury our children. And that's that.

'He's in a better place now, he's with God. He was a lovely boy, lovely personality - and that's not just because he's my nephew.

'He was 17, but he was like he was 35 - an old man with the brains. He liked nice cars, just passed his test a couple of weeks ago, had a van.

'He loved his clothes, he loved life. He really did love life. And his life was taken away from him in a freak accident.'



During the ceremony, tearful mourners chanted 'Go on Tomboy' and 'I love you Tomboy' as they threw Manchester United scarves and red roses into the grave, singing along to songs such as 'Simply the Best' while those closest to the grave sat with their feet dangling over the white casket.

After the ceremony was over, remaining mourners carried wreath after wreath of flowers over to the fresh grave, which were arranged in designs such as a football table and boxing ring.

It is believed mourners have come from across the world including the US, Denmark and Belgium.

During the service the priest, Francis Ezennia MSP, said: 'The death of Thomas is a very tragic one at the very young age of 17 he was a healthy happy young man. 



It's even more devastating for his parents. But, I do believe, and I can see, that their faith is playing a very strong role in comforting them at what is a very difficult time.

'I can also see that the community spirit and the community dimension of which the family is part of, is [also] supporting them at this time.

'I am definitely touched by the show of support and solidarity to the Doherty family and I believe they will gradually overcome this very terrible news.



'It will take time, but it is possible.'

A mass in memory of Tomboy was held at the Catholic Church of English Martyrs in Horley yesterday evening when his coffin was brought into the church.

Lovely flowers and photograph memorials were brought into the church as priest Francis Ezennia led a mass attended by Tom's parents, Patrick and Kathleen, as well as his four younger sisters and many other relatives and loved ones.



Speaking ahead of the funeral Patrick Doherty said: 'I'm feeling very sad and very emotional, I just thank everyone for coming and being here and giving him a good send off.

'I don't know what else to say. He was my boy.'

Tom lived in Outwood, Surrey, and was a much-loved member of the traveller community, according to his grandfather Thomas Doherty, 57.



He was driving a white Citroen Berlingo when it crashed at around 7.50pm October 9, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a moving tribute to his grandson, Thomas Doherty described him as 'a living soul, a legend, a great boy', and 'a brilliant amateur boxer' and sportsman.

He added Tom 'was an example to his peers, keeping them out of trouble', and 'was loved by everybody he met.'

An inquest has been opened and adjourned while inquiries into the death continue.