Tragic Leon laid to rest

Friends and family members carry Leon’s coffin as mourners look on

HUNDREDS of mourners packed into St Edward’s Church, Lees, yesterday for the funeral of teenager Leon Cudworth.

Many had to stand as friends, family and local people packed the Spring Lane church to pay their last respects to the Kingsland School pupil. Leon’s body was interred afterwards at Lees Cemetery.

The teenager’s coffin, specially adorned with photographs showing him enjoying his off-road motorcycle, was carried into church by family members.

The 15-year-old Manchester City fan was found dead in an alleyway on Ripponden Road, Moorside, on February 15.

Canon Eugene Dolan, who has known five generations of Leon’s family, led the ceremony with readings, hymns “Ave Maria” and “I Will Be With You,” and a heartfelt tribute to the teen.

Leon’s grieving father read a tearful poem, “My Big Lad.” His uncle Damien Rogers and teachers from his school read messages of sympathy, and classmates brought flowers to the church in their friend’s memory.