Hundreds line Welling streets for Bexleyheath Academy teenager's funeral (From News Shopper)

Hundreds line Welling streets for Bexleyheath Academy teenager Philip Lamin's funeral

3:19pm Saturday 9th March 2013 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

HUNDREDS of mourners lined the streets of Welling for the funeral of a teenager who collapsed and died playing football.

Philip Lamin, 16, suffered a cardiac arrest moments after scoring a goal during a kick around at Goals Soccer Centre next to the grounds of Bexleyheath Academy after school on February 5.

Following the thanksgiving service for more than 800 people at the Freedom Centre International (FCI) in Upper Wickham Lane on Friday (March 8), Philip’s mother Juliet led a midday procession along Bellegrove Road to Hillview Cemetery for the burial.

FCI pastor Del Bearfoot paid tribute to a young man he described as "my own grandson in a sense" since Philip first visited his church aged four.

In his eulogy, he said: "Philip was a happy boy.

"He never got angry and he was respectful, polite and a true gentleman with good manners and a forgiving nature.

"He was helpful and supported the young people in many ways."

Explaining the remarks, offered for the eulogy by Philip’s mother, Pastor Bearfoot said: "I think what she meant by that was he was very supportive and protective of his friends."

He added: "Juliet has found the staff and students at Bexleyheath Academy a real inspiration to her and a source of strength as well.

"They have been concerned about her and tender towards her."

Bishop Clement Asihene of Victory Bible Church International in Woolwich, added: “Sometimes a person has a long life and a short legacy.

“Philip was someone who had a short life but left a long legacy.”

A promising young footballer, Philip was believed to have been set for a trial at Fulham FC U18s once he had finished his GCSEs this summer.

A group of friends organised bucket collections and bake sales in his school and at Asda in Bexleyheath to raise more than £3,000 in a week towards the cost Philip’s funeral, with the Welling branch of the Co-Operative funeral care providing their services for free.

Former Premier League footballer Fabrice Muamba - whose career was ended after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a game in March last year - sent a letter of condolence to the teenager’s friends.

He said: "Since all that happened to me over this last year I realise how precious life is and indeed how fragile it is too."