The mum of a teenager who lost his life in a tragic car crash on the M8 has said her 'heart was ripped out' on the day he died.
Asher Tumwijukye was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident on March 25. The 19-year-old was a popular student of the City of Glasgow College and a member of West Park United Football Club.
Following his sudden passing, close friend Esther Akeju launched a fundraiser to help pay for his send-off and support his family in the coming months. Just under £12,000 was donated in a matter of weeks.
Asher's funeral took place on Thursday with crowds turning out to remember the talented footballer, some wearing blue and white to represent Asher’s favourite team, Chelsea.
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The ceremony featured moments of adoration and prayer as well as a video tribute of Asher's close friends and family members sharing their memories of him.
His mum Juliet described her loss as 'every parent's worst nightmare'.
She went on: "There is so much love in this room and that is because of who Asher was to each and every one of us.
"After his death, I thought there was no way any human being could survive such pain. I felt like my heart had been ripped out and tossed to the side.
"He went out and never came home.
"Over the weeks we have received such incredible support. First of all, from the City of Glasgow, the support you have shown us has been incredible. Asher's friends, family, football team, and coaches, you guys have been amazing.
"You all came together to honour him through the tournament but also supported us through this difficult time.
"Life is not the same without him. He was funny, he loved God, and he was my friend at home. It's going to be really hard not having him around but I am encouraged knowing that he is in a better place. Thank you to every single one of you for being here and for making us proud.
"My prayer and my ask for every single one of you is that you do not forget him. Please carry him in your hearts."
Speaking at the service, close friend Esther said: "He was such a gem, he was sweet, he was caring, he was loving, he was funny, even his terrible dad jokes and cringe motivational quotes - they were the reason we all called him uncle.
“If you have never experienced such a wonderful and great love, it is difficult to describe it. Asher came as a miracle and his legacy continues forever."
Asher's younger sister Alvita also made an emotional speech about the teenager.
She told the crowds: "It's hard to imagine life without someone who's been by my side since the day I was born but it's the reality we're going to have to face. I won't just be grateful for the last 17 years that I've had with him, I'll remember those moments forever.
"I will miss how annoying he was, how loud he was, how much of a drama queen he was but more memorably I'll miss how kind and generous he was. I think we can all agree that Asher was so sweet and would do anything for anyone."
Asher also leaves behind his brother Aarn as well as his dad Joseph Tumwijukye who described his son as "an old soul" who was insightful beyond his years.
The much-loved teenager was laid to rest at Riddrie Park Cemetery before his loved ones held a celebration of life at the City of Glasgow College where friends and family continued to honour Asher’s legacy with stories and loving moments.
Paul Rooney, one of Asher’s lecturers and head of the Sports Therapy Department at City of Glasgow College mentioned how “laid-back and chill Asher was, nothing ever seemed to faze him. He took everything in stride and was such a lovable character, he had classmates in hysterics over his perfectly delivered one-liners”.
The day concluded with Asher's friends and family singing, dancing and honouring his life.
Asher's friendliness, generosity, and sense of humour were remembered in great detail at the funeral.
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