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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Kyle O'Sullivan

Jamal Edwards' 'homegoing' funeral - Brenda's singing tribute and symbol in the sky

When Jamal Edwards. tragically passed away - mum Brenda was determined to fulfil his wishes and keep his legacy alive.

Jamal, who founded online urban music platform SB.TV and worked with big names such as Ed Sheeran and Will.i.am, sadly died from a "sudden heart attack" in February this year.

Speaking during her first interview since losing her 31-year-old son, Brenda bravely spoke about being at Jamal's side when he died and how she is grateful for the overwheling amount of support the family has received.

Recalling the day he passed away, Brenda said: "The one thing that I do want to say is I was with him and his sister was with us, we were all at home. It was sudden and it was unexpected and he went into cardiac arrest.

"Then he passed with me holding his hand, so I get a little bit of comfort from knowing I was with him. As much as that is comfort, at the same time, it’s a vision that I’m never going to forget."

Brenda explained that Jamal has left specific instructions on how to take over his charities and businesses, as well as planning out details of his funeral.

Brenda Edwards spoke about son Jamal's 'homegoing' service (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

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Although Brenda does not refer to the day Jamal was laid to rest as a funeral, instead using the heartwarming term "homegoing".

Speaking to fellow Loose Women pstar Coleen Nolan, Brenda revealed that her son, who was a big Chelsea FC supporter, wanted his beloved team to be involved as well as his place of birth.

"I was glad to get that instruction from him," Brenda explained. "He wanted Luton to be involved, he wanted Chelsea Football Club to be involved and music was a big thing for him.

"He was born in Luton so we went back and had his homegoing service there. He had a blue and white theme, which I'm sure he looked down and thought 'come on'.

Brenda said that everyone wore blue and white during the "really lovely" day and there was live music and entertainment in his honour.

The former X Factor singer believes Jamal was smiling down on them as an incredible symbol formed in the sky.

"When we laid him to rest, it was really beautiful. We looked up into the sky and there was a J," she added. The clouds had formed a J. A friend took a picture of it."

Brenda has vowed to carry on her son's legacy (jamaledwards/Instagram)
Jamal had planned every detail (jamaledwards/Instagram)

One of the most poigant moments of Jama's homegoing service was when Brenda herself got up to perform.

Loose Women panellist Jane Moore, who was one of the guests in attendance, said: "She sang and I just don't know how she got through it and how she has the strength to do that, but she did.

"The fact he left to the letter what he wanted made her be stronger so she could say, 'no, this is what Jamal wanted'. She delivered it to the absolute T.

"And it was the most beautiful day, bright sunshine. We say 'funeral' and we have sadness around a funeral. There was something very elevating about that day.

"It was just a really strange feeling. You go 'this is so uplifting' but then you go 'but he's not here anymore'."

Brenda set up the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust in memory of her son, which wuill support causes that mattered most to him and honour his legacy.

Jamal spent every Christmas day for the last 10 years helping out at a homeless shelter and he wanted to support people with mental health issues.

Brenda spoke with close pal Coleen Nolan (ITV)

Explaining it was set up with two main things in mind, Brenda said: "Jamal was all about empowering young people. We want to set up an academy for 16-21 year olds, giving them an internship if you like, within an organisation over a period of a year, where they learn everything from the ground up.

"And then we’re also looking to set up a homeless sanctuary."

Coleen commented that while listening to Brenda she "sees Jamal", adding: "It's like Jamal talking, you've found his passion."

Speaking about her son's legacy, Brenda confessed: "He said, ‘We all die, the goal is not to live forever but to create something that will.’ And I believe he has created something that will and I’m determined to make sure that it will. That’s my goal."

While speaking to Coleen, Brenda admitted she was taking each day as it comes and spoke about the bedtime routine dedicated to her son that "keeps her going".

She said: "When I wake up every morning - all of his photos are still obviously in the house - and I look at him and say, ‘Good morning, baby’ and ‘Good night, baby’.

"And I think doing that is what’s keeping me going. He always had this lovely, bright smile, just used to light up.

Brenda and Jamal were incredibly close (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

"He had this funny laugh. I feel his presence constantly and I know I’ve always been somebody who has faith and who believes in that and that has been a massive comfort to me."

Brenda also discussed the support she has received from her Loose Women co-stars and described the as her family.

"It was funny, everybody’s like, ‘What can I do?’ I had Judi and Charlene wanting to bring food round. I had food coming from all angles," she said.

Brenda will return to the Loose Women studio during Tuesday's show - and admitted she has been desperate to get back to work.

"It has been great having the ladies there and that’s something which has been a big part of my life and the kids’ lives that I need to return.

"I’ve missed everyone. I thank you for supporting and being there at the end of the phone for me."

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