Hundreds at Tadley teenager's funeral
Around 350 people pay their last respects to Robert Sebbage in Basingstoke
HUNDREDS gathered at a Basingstoke church yesterday afternoon (Thursday) to pay their last respects to Tadley teenager Robert Sebbage.
Mr Sebbage, who lived at Weyhill Close, died aged 19 after he was stabbed in Laganas, Zakynthos, Greece, following a dispute with a taxi driver while holidaying with four friends from his schooldays at the Hurst Community College, Baughurst.
Around 350 attended the service at St Mary's church, Eastrop, led by the Rev Trevor Woodget whose wife, Sue, taught Robert while he was a pupil at Bishopswood junior school, Tadley.
A lifelong Reading Football Club fan, Mr Sebbage's love of the club was reflected in the colour of his coffin - blue -bearing the club's badge, with one of the wreaths in the shape of a football.
In a tribute to Mr Sebbage, Mr Woodget, said he was born at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital on October 16, 1992, a: “tubby, blond, blue-eyed brother for Steven and Martin.”
A happy baby, always smiling, it soon became apparent he had serious health issues, later diagnosed as Neuropathic Bowel Disorder, added Mr Woodget.
He went on: “Over the years he had two major operations and numerous minor exploratory operations and biopsies, not to mention countless fortnightly trips to hospital for regular eight-hour infusions."
Despite his health problems thwarting his football ambitions, Mr Sebbage went on to become an England mascot, sharing the pitch with one of his England heroes, David Beckham in 2007.
His passion for sport was also reflected in a tribute from Tadley Calleva Football Club, which he joined aged seven and for whom he played for eight seasons.
In his sermon, Mr Woodget said for many young people at the service, this was their first encounter with death, adding they would not find answers to grief in a bottle, or in drugs.
He said: “I urge you all to take care of one another, to be there for each other, to listen to each other, to talk about Robert, to share how you really feel."
The hour-long service included the hymns Amazing Grace and The Lord's My Shepherd and poems, with a slide-show depicting Mr Sebbage's life, accompanied by Coldplay's Fix You.
Further tributes were paid by friends, as a microphone was handed around during the service, which ended with the playing of Wonderwall by Oasis- his favourite band.
The service was followed by a cremation in Basingstoke and wake at Tadley Rugby Club, Red Lane, Aldermaston.
Donations were made during the service to Charlie's Day Unit at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital where he received treatment. Further donations can be made by clicking on the link to a Just Giving page below.
