The grieving mother of a teenager killed in a moped accident has paid tribute to her son’s friends for making his funeral possible.
Hundreds mourned the loss of 18-year-old Michael McGuiness at an emotional funeral last week, which saw his body make the journey from Essex Road, Islington, near his home, to a service at Trent Park Cemetery in Cockfosters.
Heartfelt tributes from friends and family were read before a song written and recorded by Michael’s friends was played to those who showed up to pay their respects.
Mother Bridget revealed how scores of young teenagers from the surrounding estates pulled together to help make the funeral possible.
She said: “They have been amazing. They organised the coach from Miller funeral directors to the service by themselves and some of them even did a walk in aid.
“They insisted on paying for the coach themselves. They said they wanted to do it for Michael, and that was really touching.
“I couldn’t have done it without them. The kids have been going round and playing their part.
“They have been so organised and it has helped make it possible. To see the way they acted so respectfully and to see them openly sobbing – the amount of love they had for Michael I just can’t describe. People had even travelled from Ireland to come to the funeral.
“Everybody loved him, I just didn’t realise how much, and how much they cared for him, from the professionals to the street kids, just everyone, it was lovely to see.
“It has helped me to see the kindness and respect. Michael really was a decent boy.”
It is believed Michael was riding a stolen moped when he was hit – something for which he paid “the ultimate price”, his mother added.
The tragic teen died in the early hours of May 9 at about 1.20am after a VW Golf collided with the motorbike he was riding on in Downham Road, at the junction with Southgate Road in De Beauvoir.
He was pronounced dead within the hour and scores of friends visited the scene to leave flowers.
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Following the crash, police arrested the 22-year-old male driver of the VW on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains on bail until July.
Officers continue to call for witnesses who can phone 020 8597 4874 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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