The MPC were truly honoured yesterday to be asked to support the 10th anniversary memorial service led by the Rev Chris Henriette in thanksgiving for the life of James Ross Hunter at St Stephen's Church in Lewisham. James's mother Collet Hunter was joined at the service by her son Ryan along with family and friends and leading figures in the Lewisham community such as Madam Mayor of Lewisham Ms Brenda Dacres and the Lewisham Borough Commander Mr Trevor Lawry who both spoke at the event.
The choir sang two pieces and led the congregational singing also while Collet addressed the audience on the lasting legacy of James's life and the work of the James Ross Hunter Youth Support Community Organisation which she founded after his passing. A beautiful artwork was also unveiled which will be helping the work of the charity in Lewisham and providing a visual awareness of the victims of violence. Finally white doves symbolising peace were released outside the church while a poem was read out for James.
Collet also spoke about how important the police, and in particular the family liaison officer assigned to her family after James's death, was in helping her after the tragedy and in the years since especially with regard to the charity work that she does tirelessly in Lewisham's schools.
Thank you for asking us to sing at this lovely event - it was a privilege and we hope that our singing made a positive contribution to the service.
In Memoriam - James Ross Hunter 21st December 1995 - 31st May 2014