Popular Paul to get public send-off

TRAGIC . . . Paul Lawson

THE funeral of a teenager who drowned while swimming in a reservoir is to be held next week ­- and anyone who wishes to pay their respects is invited.

Paul Lawson (16) died at Greenbooth Reservoir in Rochdale during last week's heatwave.

The Hopwood Hall College student was cooling off with pals at the beauty spot, near Norden, on Monday, June 19, when he got into difficulties.

Respects

Relatives say his funeral will be held at 1.40pm on Friday, July 7, at Rochdale Crematorium and the public is invited.

A post on the Paul Lawson Safe Waters Appeal Facebook page, which was set up by his family to raise awareness of the dangers of swimming in open water, reads: "Paul will be at his home from 1.15pm ready to set off to Rochdale Crematorium. For anyone who wishes to follow him to the crematorium please be there in good time to set off.

"The public are welcome to his service if they wish to pay their respects. Please only family and close friends' flowers. Instead of flowers a donation to his go fund me page is greatly appreciated. Smart casual and bright colours is being requested by his mum on the day.

"Paul's wake will be at The Norden Arms after the service is over. The family would appreciate privacy at this time to be with family, close friends and friends Paul knew personally."

A crowd funding page has been set up to raise £5,000 to cover his funeral costs.

His mum Natalie urged other youngsters to stay away from open water.

Natalie (36), of Wardle, Rochdale, said: "You hear about things like this on the news and think: 'What must the parents be thinking?' Now I'm in that situation, there's just a void. I feel numb."

An inquest into Paul's death is due to be opened on Thursday at Rochdale Coroner's Court.

To donate to the appeal visit gofundme.com/paul-lawson