Video: Memorial for 'perfect son'

7:17am Sunday 18th May 2008

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Family and friends of Jimmy Mizen attended a memorial service for the murdered teenager in Lee yesterday.

Large crowds listened to the service in the rain outside the packed Our Lady Of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Burnt Ash Hill - a short distance from where Jimmy was killed a week ago.

Speaking outside the church Margaret Mizen, 55, described Jimmy as "every mother's perfect son".

Mrs Mizen said: "Today is cup final day and my baby was born on cup final day in 1992.

"He popped out a 10lb 4oz gorgeous baby."

She added: "My sister summed Jimmy up to me the other day.

"She said 'Margaret, Jimmy is every mother's perfect son.'"

"And that is how he was."

Mrs Mizen also spoke about her faith and how it had helped her cope with her son's violent and untimely death.

She said: "Anger breeds anger and bitterness.

"And bitterness will destroy my family if I'm not careful and I won't allow that to happen."

She added: "My faith is strong and I love it and without the faith I have I wouldn't be standing here now - I would be crumbling."

Jimmy's father, Barry, 56, thanked the local community, the friends of his children, the police and the press for their help and support over the past week.

He said that money which had been given to the family would be donated to a local Scout group to buy a bus - which will be called the 'Jimmy bus'.

The 16-year-old was killed after his throat was slashed with broken glass during a fight at the Three Cooks Bakery, Burnt Ash Hill, last Saturday.

Jimmy, who had celebrated his 16th birthday the day before, was in the bakery with his brother Harry, 18, buying sausage rolls, when he was attacked.

• Jake Fahri, 19, of Milborough Crescent, Lee, will appear at the Old Bailey on August 21 charged with the murder of Jimmy Mizen.