HUNDREDS of mourners paid tribute to a father who took his own life aged only 24.
Friends and family of Junior Palmer wore T-shirts with his image for the service in St John the Baptist Church in Royal Lane, Hillingdon.
A floral tribute with the word Cuz, from close friend and cousin Matt Whitter, was carried along last Thursday, and a tribute from Junior's mother, Sue Palmer, was read out.
Long Lane, Hillingdon, resident, Ms Palmer said: "Everyone gave Junior a wonderful send off. The church was completely packed. I miss him immensely. It's very hard to just get out the door."
Puff Daddy track, I'll Be Missing You, chosen by Ms Palmer, was played, while Junior's siblings Jason, 38, Julie, 34, James, 24, and Jade, 15, watched on.
Junior, of Long Lane, Hillingdon, died on September 20. The father of two-year-old Brandon was described as a talented footballer, and Ms Palmer believes he could have had a successful career.
Junior's aunt, Denise Whitter, from Uxbridge, said: "His death has left a big empty space in so many people's hearts. He and his cousin, my son Matt, were really close. Matt misses him terribly. He said he was the brother he never had."
A service at Ruislip Crematorium was also held followed by a gathering at Goals Soccer Centre, in Springfield Road, Hayes.
The family are now looking to bury Junior's ashes somewhere special and how to commemorate what would have been his 25th birthday on November 3.
Mrs Whitter said: "There wasn't a dry eye in the church. It was so sad. Everyone who mattered was there."
* The family have set up a trust fund for Junior's son. To make a donation contact A V Smith and Son on 01895 234 011.
