FAMILY and friends of Barry teenager Conner Marshall gathered this morning (Saturday, April 11) to say goodbye to the "vibrant and unique young man.” who died after being attacked in Porthcawl in March.


Mourners who attended the funeral heard a letter from Conner's family, read by Reverend Andrew James, which said that "the amount of love and support that has been shown" for Conner has been "truly overwhelming and comforting".


At St Peter’s Church, Dinas Powys hundreds of mourners attended the funeral, filling the church with many paying their respects by standing silently in the church grounds.


At the request of the family, mourners wore bright clothes to say their goodbyes to the 18-year-old former  Ysgol Bro Morgannwg pupil who died following an incident at Trecco Bay caravan park on Sunday, March 8.


Arriving in a car with a wreath that read “No.1 Son”, Conner was carried into the church in a coffin adorned with photographs to the accompaniment of the Eric Clapton song “Tears in Heaven”.
The letter, addressed from Conner's family to Conner read: "Today is such a difficult day in our family’s life.


"As a family we want to erase the pain, sorrow and sadness that we are all constantly feeling.
"The darkest of days can be overwhelming, the fear of knowing that you’re not around with your smile is so painful to endure.


"We are trying and failing to make sense of the unfairness and reasons for why this has happened? Time will never heal the pain that we are going through.


"Without you our lives are completely shattered.


"Losing someone so special is really hard to bear, it hardly seems believable that you’re no longer here."


The letter continued: "Life without Conner will never be the same again, it has left a hole that will never be filled. Our memories of a very special, vibrant and unique young man.


"We won’t need a birthday or special day to remember you. You are part of us and we are part of you, nothing can change this warming fact."


The church heard Conner described as "a handsome, polite, determined, caring, loyal and stubborn son and brother" with a "beautiful smile, cheeky wink" and "of course his beard , which he was very proud of."


Conner, was also described as having a passion for "music, clothes, motorbikes and trainers" as well as "cooked dinner, crisps and chocolate".


"We were so proud of you Conner and what you had achieved," the letter continued. "Your determination to do things your way was often exasperating to watch, yet your determination was a strength.


"Your outlook on life was simple and uncomplicated, your sense of humour was infectious.
"Without realising, you made our world a better place, you lived life to the full.


"We will always talk about you, and carry you in our hearts, until the day when we can see your smiling face again.


"From the day you were born, we have loved you unconditionally. Our special blue eyed boy.


"To us you were perfect in every way.


"Saying goodbye is so very hard, and not what we are supposed to do. However,  the amount of love and support that has been shown for you Conner has been truly overwhelming and comforting.


"The world has been robbed of a talented, vibrant, loyal young man."


Conner left the church to the accompaniment of the Gym Class Heroes song “Life Goes On”.
A 26-year-old Caerphilly man, David Braddon, has been charged with Conner’s murder.