A SEA of black suits massed outside a Sheffield church for the arrival of a horsedrawn hearse carrying the coffin of young dad Brett Blake - who died from stab wounds last month.
Crowds of young people packed into Christ Church in Pitsmoor Road, Pitsmoor, for the funeral of the 23-year-old car dealer.
He died following an incident on the dancefloor at Uniq nightclub on Carver Street in Sheffield city centre on June 7.
Leading the mourners - some wearing 'RIP Brett' T-shirts, others in matching blue ties - was his mum Jacqueline Nicholson, and partner Natalia Gordon, mother of his two-year-old daughter Taliyah. Ahead of the carriage were two funeral cars carrying flowers spelling 'Street Kid' in white petals, as well as 'Dad', 'Son', 'Brother' and 'Nephew'.
Inside the church a picture of a smiling Brett was beamed by two overhead projectors onto screens big enough to be seen by mourners spilling out of the pews into the back and sides of the room.
Leading a tribute to Brett, who lived with Natalia and Taliyah in Longley Avenue West, Longley, his sister said: "He was always the joker from a young age and always made friends wherever he went. He was totally devoted to his little girl and his girlfriend, and his little family had a meaningful life together. His old fashioned family values extended to his friends, who he showed great loyalty.
"He was a calm and collected character with a dry and witty sense of humour. What you saw was what you got with Brett; he said it as it was."
Breaking down in tears she added: "We as a family are suffering a great loss - part of us died when Brett died, there is a big hole that can never be filled.
"He touched the lives of so many people and, whilst we are mourning today, we also want to celebrate his life - so later please raise a glass and think of the happy memories you shared. If Brett was here today, that's what he would have wanted.
"RIP Brett - you may be gone but you will never be forgotten."
Two men - Curtis Lee Goring, aged 26, and Danny Hockenhull, 23 - have been charged with Brett's murder.
Goring, of Rolleston Road, Sheffield Lane Top, has also been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and affray, while Hockenhull, of Hawkshead Road, Grimesthorpe, has also been charged with wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.
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