Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets to pay their respects to a seven-year-old boy killed in a suspected hit-and-run.
William Brown’s coffin will be carried to his final resting place in Folkestone by a horse and carriage bearing the colours of his beloved Manchester United.
The youngster died on December 6 after he was struck by a vehicle near his home in Sandgate while fetching a football from the road.
Now, after special permission was granted by His Majesty the King, William will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 13 at 2pm, at the Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, near to his school and where he regularly played.
His family campaigned tirelessly to hold the burial at the historic graveyard as it had been shut since 1855, with only the King able to overturn a closure order issued by the Privy Council.
On Christmas Day, William’s mum, Laura, travelled four hours to Sandringham – where the Royal family attended a church service – carrying a personal letter to King Charles to ask for his help. The letter was handed to security staff.
Just five days later, King Charles and members of the Privy Council revealed they will lift the order to support William’s family’s wishes.
Now, with a date organised for the funeral, his parents, William Sr and Laura Brown, say anyone from the community is welcome to attend.
A procession, led by a horse and carriage displaying Manchester United colours, will start near William’s dad’s house in Sapper Row, before travelling along Sandgate Esplanade, where his mum lives, and onto the Road of Remembrance and Tontine Street, before arriving at St Eanswythe Church.
The family said: “On behalf of William, we would like to invite the community and all local churches to help spread his message of love, peace and unity at his funeral and burial.
“William accepted everyone who crossed his path and hated to see people left out. So if you’re struggling with your own issues, grief or pain, please attend as a show of togetherness in our great community.”
Mr Brown added: “We’ve had support from the police to help with the procession and all sorts of people have been in touch. Everyone has been so supportive and it’s been unreal. We’re open to be contacted by anyone who may be able to help us.”
The Brown family say they expect the church to exceed its 400-capacity, so they will be putting screens in the graveyard area so people will be able to watch outside. They add they would like to share the service online if they can.
“No one knows what anyone else is going through and that was William’s message,” Mr Brown added.
“He’d always try and help you and bring people together.
“There’s power in numbers and if we can get everyone together for a good cause to celebrate his life and his message, that’s what we’re really keen to do as a family.”
William will be buried near a conker tree which his family say he loved.
“The graveyard has been full for hundreds of years and no one was allowed to be buried there,” his dad added.
“So we feel so privileged that they have just so happened to find a spot, which is the exact spot where he’d want it.”
“It’s helped us all and it’s put a positive spin on the situation. Will would love it.”
The wake will take place at William’s school, St Eanswythe’s C of E Primary School.
Speaking of the King’s approval for her son’s burial, William’s mum added: “As a family, we feel completely blessed that we’ve had this miracle in such sad times.
“It’s a miracle and unbelievable to be able to lay Will to rest. It’s the timeframe which is amazing. An application was submitted and they did find a space in the graveyard for William.
“I was hopeful, but it was just the timeframe because the Privy Council only meet once a month and have January off, so for it to be done that quickly is nothing short of a miracle and it was all because of the King’s intervention, so what a gracious, wonderful man.
“We’re really blessed as a family that he helped.”
A 49-year-old man was arrested in Dymchurch almost 24 hours after William’s death.
He was questioned by detectives on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by careless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision and perverting the course of justice.
He is on bail until March 6.