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Hundreds gather for Michael Graydon funeral
Hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of Bristol boxing promoter Michael Graydon on Tuesday afternoon.
The service was held at St Mary Redcliffe Church for the 29-year-old father-of-one, whose body was found in Monaco after he was reported missing for two weeks in March.
The large crowd applauded as the coffin, covered in photographs of the popular Bristol man, was carried into the church. Many people, including those in the procession, chanted “there’s only one Michael Graydon” – the song which was sung when he used to compete as a boxer.
Michael’s family and friends gave intimate speeches during the service. Through tears, his fiancee Kira Billiau gave small glimpse of their relationship, from “our first date, our first kiss… to our first child”.
Talking about their son Rueben, she said: “I promise not to let you down. We both love you, always.”
The speech was met with a standing ovation, as became the pattern for all to follow.
Michael’s sister Kelly-Jane Mann spoke of her gratitude of the support of the community in the Find Michael Graydon campaign, which included a march through Bristol to raise awareness of Michael’s case and raised £16,451 to help find her missing brother.
“We knew Bristol was mighty, but we never knew it was this mighty,” Kelly-Jane said. “It’s thanks to that support we were able to bring you home.”
Michael’s brother broke down on two occasions during his address, but was cheered on by the congregation.
The mood was one of celebration, with bouts of laughter punctuating the service. Between traditional hymns, the crowd sang and clapped along to an emotional rendition of Mumford and Sons song, I Will Wait.
The service concluded in a final round of applause as the coffin was carried back through the church where it would be transported to a crematorium for a private service for family and friends only.
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