Jimmy Mizen's mum pays tribute to 'perfect son'

By Lori Campbell, sundaymirror.co.uk 18/05/2008

Margaret and Barry Mizen (Pic:PA)

Murdered schoolboy Jimmy Mizen's heartbroken mum paid an emotional tribute to the teenager yesterday - describing him as "every mother's perfect son".

Fighting back tears Margaret Mizen addressed a packed memorial service at midday yesterday, exactly one week after Jimmy died.

She said: "My sister summed Jimmy up. She said, 'Margaret, Jimmy was every mother's perfect son'. And that's how he was."

More than 500 people crammed into the tiny Lady of Lourdes church, with hundreds more standing outside in the pouring rain. Clutching her husband Barry's arm, Margaret urged people to love each other rather than hate.

She said: "If you see someone today, give them a hug. There is not enough love, not enough hugs in this world. We need more love."

Jimmy, 16, died after being hit in the neck with a glass tray at the Three Cooks bakery near his home in Lee, South-East London.

This week, 19-year-old Jake Fahri was charged with his murder.

But yesterday, in an incredibly dignified plea, Margaret, 55, begged people not to target Jake's family.

She said: "Anger breeds anger and bitterness. Anger will destroy my family if I'm not careful. I ask you to leave the other family involved in this alone."

Margaret and Barry made the short walk from their home to the Catholic church with their seven other children. Piles of flowers and gifts were piled up in a poignant tribute to the "gentle giant".

Margaret said: "Without my faith I wouldn't be standing. Our family is fantastic. Our whole community has rallied round."

Barry, 56, thanked the community for their help and support and said all the money they have received will go the Scouts' minibus appeal, with a bus being named after Jimmy.

Choking back tears, he said: "Thank you to the people who have joined us today in a sign of unity and to everyone who sent messages of love and support.

"They have really helped. Thank you also to the police, who have guided us gently through all of this. Thank you to our whole parish, who have been marvellously supportive. And a special thank you to the friends of my children. They have all rallied round in a very special way."

In a year which has seen 13 teenage deaths in the capital so far, Barry pleaded for an end to violence.

He said: "It doesn't have to be this way."

During the 45-minute service, Jimmy's brother Danny, 30, said: "He was such an amazing bloke, such an amazing character. He had such a zest for life. He had not one single bad bone in his body."

Jimmy bled to death in the arms of two of his brothers Harry, 18, and Tommy, 26. Danny said: "The one bit of comfort I can take from this is that the last few breaths he took he had two of the greatest men I've known in my life with him."