Home   Dover   News   Article

Dover teen Kelly Turner laid to rest on what would have been her 18th birthday

Family and friends of a teenager who lost her battle with cancer have laid her ashes to rest on what would have been her 18th birthday.

Kelly Turner died in November last year, aged just 17, and a ceremony was held at 11am on Saturday at St Mary's Church in Dover.

Her ashes were buried in a short and simple service attended by about 30 family and friends.

It was an emotional day for the family and friends (1279386)
It was an emotional day for the family and friends (1279386)

It was the last physical gesture for the teenager who inspired the entire community to rally to raise £1 million for specialist treatment in America for her rare cancer, desmoplastic small round cell tumours.

Kelly Turner's parents Linda and Martin (1279388)
Kelly Turner's parents Linda and Martin (1279388)

Leading the mourners were Kelly's parents Linda and Martin Turner. With them were relatives such as Kelly's grandmother Winnifred Fuller and her aunt Alison Jones who brought sunflowers, Kelly's favourite flowers.

Those who came laid a single flower at Kelly's burial spot at the end of the service.

Kelly's burial spot (1279413)
Kelly's burial spot (1279413)
Linda, left, with Kelly's grandmother Winnifred Fuller (1279415)
Linda, left, with Kelly's grandmother Winnifred Fuller (1279415)

The outdoor service was led by the Rev Gordon Newton and assisted by Rev Josias De Souza.

Mr Newton told those gathered: "We entrust Kelly to God's merciful care and give thanks for her life.

The Rev Gordon Newton held the service (1279382)
The Rev Gordon Newton held the service (1279382)

"We pray for all who mourn her especially Linda and Martin."

Prayers were said and Mr Turner helped lower Kelly's ashes into the ground.

Her box-shaped urn had the same design as the coffin at her funeral, which had been attended by hundreds.

Kelly Turner inspired thousands with her bravery and fundraising (1133915)
Kelly Turner inspired thousands with her bravery and fundraising (1133915)

Martin and Linda are continuing to raise money for other teenagers with Kelly's condition through the Kelly Turner Foundation, set up after her death.

The £600,000 raised in her lifetime to save her has been transferred for that purpose.

To help, visit the web page justgiving.com/kelly-turner2000.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More