Mum’s plea to mourners ahead of celebration of life for beloved 13-year-old son after cancer battle

Lennox Griffiths, from Rotherham, died aged just 13 on March 26 after fighting a rare form of cancer, chondroblast osteosarcoma, for nearly a year.

Tributes have since poured in for the teenager, remembered by loved ones as a “loveable rogue” who “battled so hard” through months of treatment.

Today (April 8) family, friends and members of the public are gathering to help line the streets in blue ahead of his funeral, which will take place tomorrow (April 9).

In a message shared online, his mum Zoe Lindley urged people to take part in preparations.

She wrote: “Calling for helpers to line the streets blue ready for Lennox Griff journey on Thursday 9th April,

“If we could all meet on the 8th April at 2.20pm at the Ringerbells Kimberworth,

“All balloons provided blown up tied and ready they just need to be fixed on posts if you have ladders it’s a bonus bring them along lets get his journey ready.”

She described the funeral as a “celebration of Lennox’s life” and encouraged people to honour him in a way that reflects his personality.

The procession will set off tomorrow at 2.20pm from the family home on 39 Gloucester Road, travelling through Rotherham to the crematorium on Ridgeway at around 3.15pm, where a service will take place.

Mourners will then continue to a venue in Swinton for a gathering to celebrate his life.

Zoe has asked those attending to wear baby blue clothing or ribbons, with coordinated tributes planned throughout the day.

These tributes will include the release of balloons and blue smoke flares at key points along the route and at the venues.

Close family and friends will carry baby blue roses.

Though flowers are appreciated, Zoe said donations to PACT and Bluebell Wood are being encouraged, in recognition of the support the charities provided during Lennox’s illness.

Motorbikes, quads and sports cars have also been invited to take part in the procession, travelling at the rear in tribute to Lennox’s love of vehicles.

She urged those taking part to ensure it remains “a lovely safe journey”, keeping the street clear for Lennox’s arrival.

Local councillor Jodi Ryalls has also appealed for respect from the public, as preparations take place across the area today.

She said: “There are balloons going up Ridgeway ahead of a funeral for a young boy tomorrow… his family and friends are preparing for his final journey today and have put balloons on the lamppost going up Ridgeway.

“I know balloons are nice and kids like them, but please remind your children that they are for a family who are grieving a young child. So don’t take or pop them.”

Coun Ryalls also warned of disruption tomorrow afternoon, explaining that a large number of vehicles are expected from around 3pm onwards, with delays likely following the service.

Offering her condolences, she added she wished Lennox’s family “love and strength at this sad time” and said they would remain in her thoughts and prayers.

Lennox’s death follows an incredibly difficult year for his family.

What initially appeared to be a pulled muscle turned out to be cancer, leading to months of chemotherapy.

In September last year, Lennox’s arm was amputated in an effort to stop the disease spreading.

He was later given the all-clear, and even managed to travel to Egypt earlier this year, but in March the cancer returned and was deemed incurable.

A relative said: “All that hard work he put in was ripped away from him in an instant… he was far too precious for this world.”

In his final days, family and friends gathered to share memories and spend time with him before he died surrounded by loved ones.

One tribute read: “If only love could have saved you.”

Now, with preparations underway today and the funeral set to take place tomorrow, the community is coming together to give Lennox a beautiful send off.