Tribute to Daniel De Gale

Friday 24th October 2008

In an inspirational ceremony, Daniel De Gale was finally put to rest.

The service was held on Friday 24th October at the Croydon Parish Church, and was a celebration of the life and legacy of Daniel. The magnificent church was filled to capacity, proving what an inspiration the young man truly was, and gathered family and friends, as well as a few celebrities that worked alongside the 21-year-old during his incredible life, such as Sugababes star Keisha Buchanan, Ian Wright, ITN’s Alastair Stewart, and even the Duchess of York.

The ceremony incorporated many inspiring tributes, including a moving poetry piece by Mark Thompson, a scripture reading from Daniel’s lifesaving donor Doreen Carney, and a special performance by the London Community Gospel Choir.

Although a sorrowful occasion, the service had an air of pride and underlying happiness that Daniel was able to live the life that he did. In a heart-warming tribute by mother Beverley De Gale, she described her son as ‘an angel sent to make a change’, and a change he did indeed make. The service was marked with many other inspiring words from family and close friends of Daniel, as well as stories of joyous occasions he experienced during his studies at the London Metropolitan University, as well as his infamous love for football team Manchester United. One particularly moving moment was when the church was filled with an overwhelming sense of admiration as step-father Orin Lewis prompted the audience to salute his son with a standing ovation.

As the service drew to a close, Daniel’s casket, covered with a striking flower arrangement, was carried out accompanied by a special song by Elton John, marking the end of the brave young man that was Daniel De Gale.

PUBLISHED IN NEW NATION NEWSPAPER