Exclusive
'HE WOULD'VE BEEN HAPPY'
Murdered Damilola Taylor remembered with minute’s silence at brother’s wedding
DAMILOLA Taylor was remembered at the joyous wedding of his brother Tunde.
Prayers were said at the ceremony for the 10-year-old stabbed to death in 2000.
6
A poignant minute’s silence was held for the schoolboy, who would have been “overjoyed” to watch his older brother tie the knot.
Emotional Tunde, 39, wed NHS doctor Michaella Cameron in London at a lavish bash.
Last night Damilola’s dad Richard Taylor told The Sun: “After all the grieving, Tunde finally got married.
“I was overwhelmed. It was just relief and happiness, not weeping and sorrow.
“We remembered Damilola and his mother Gloria, who has passed. It was a glorious day for Gloria and my son. They both would have been overjoyed and we wanted to remember them.”
At the moving reception, a pastor asked for a moment of silence for Damilola, Gloria and a relative of the bride. He prayed that the trio rest in peace, and the guests solemnly responded “Amen”.
Mr Taylor, a retired civil servant awarded an OBE in 2010 for ‘services to the prevention of youth violence’, was dressed in a traditional Nigerian outfit of white tunic and red and gold head-gear, and matching long necklace and bracelet.
We remembered Damilola and his mother Gloria, who has passed. They both would have been overjoyed and we wanted to remember them.
Richard Taylor
Footage showed him dancing and beaming in joy at the magical occasion at Addington Palace Mansion near Croydon in Surrey.
He told guests: “Thank you Lord for today. Tunde was so in love with Michaella when he came to me and said look Dad I’ve found her now, and I’m going to marry her.”
Mr Taylor enjoyed a dance with his new daughter-in-law to Bob Marley’s hit Three Little Birds.
Interviewed for a souvenir film of the April 6 bash, he said: “It is such an amazing memorable day for the Damiliola Taylor family. You saw how we honoured Gloria, in the speeches that we made, because today is the day that the Lord has made.”
6
6
The groom, a finance officer, wore a dazzling white shiny suit over a smart waistcoat, and black bow-tie.
Shy Tunde gave a tear-jerking speech. He said: “From the first moment I met Michaella I knew I wanted to make her my wife.”
Movingly, he went on: “You’ve helped me find happiness, and the ability to love again. And I can truly say my life has changed for the better. You’ve been nothing but a blessing to me.
“She’s tender, she’s kind, and she just brings out so much joy in everybody. Who could not fall in love with Michaella. That’s the reason why I’m here today.”
The glowing bride, in a stunning white backless bridal gown and bejewelled tiara, danced with her hubby in front of cheering guests.
You’ve [Michaella] helped me find happiness, and the ability to love again. And I can truly say my life has changed for the better.
Tunde Taylor
The thrilled couple, who met three years ago in church, sat on huge cream thrones in front of assembled guests near a 5ft tall wedding cake.
A saxophone player entertained hundreds of guests, who sat on tables covered in floral displays under flashing lights.
During the night the bride changed into a mini-skirt and blouse and danced with women pals.
Money was thrown around the dancefloor over the couple.
Earlier, guests gathered to watch the couple, of Barking, East London, get married at Southwark Cathedral near London Bridge.
In 2000, Tunde asked for the forgiveness of his murdered brother for not being able to protect him against his killers.
In an emotional address at a memorial service on what would have been Damilola’s 11th birthday, Tunde said: “Apparently the only thing I could not offer him was protection from his killers on that fateful day.
Damilola, I know you are resting peacefully in God's arms. Please forgive me for not being there for you. I am deeply sorry I was not there for you.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
Damilola arrived in London from Nigeria four months before he was murdered.
Tunde, a student at Ekiti State University in Lagos before he came to Britain, began his tribute, saying: “He was a God-fearing, funloving, adventurous, intelligent, loving and lovable boy. He is part of my life that will never be erased.”
Brothers Ricky and Danny Preddie were sentenced to eight years in youth custody for the manslaughter of Damilola Taylor.
6
6
6
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]