"WHEN you think of Oli, smile – and be inspired by the way he embraced life and brought sunshine to everyone."
These were the closing words of a tribute from the parents of Oli Farrell – read out by a family friend – during a celebration of the life of their "inspirational" son.
Hundreds crowded into St Peter's Church, in Belper, to pay their final respects to the 27-year-old – who was killed in a road incident last month – with many asked to sit upstairs because the building was so packed.
Oli, who grew up in Hazelwood, near Duffield, was the fourth from the same school year at Ecclesbourne School to die in tragic circumstances, after the traffic incident in London.
But his brother, Ben, 30, has previously told the Derby Telegraph how the deaths of Will Sheppard in 2003, Tom Fletcher in 2004 and Tom Donaldson in 2009 had meant Oli "packed so much" into life and was devoted to his friends and family.
He said he loved travelling and went to more than 30 countries but would always have a "diary full of fun activities" planned when he came home.
At the service, these sentiments were again reiterated and Ben – along with Oli's friends, Dan Leather, Will Warne, Jack Nappin and Pat Harrison – shared memories from across Oli's life which best demonstrated them.
Laughter, mingled with tears, rang around the church at the end of some of their personal anecdotes and tales. But Ben also described how his brother had "made the world a better place". He said: "Use the sadness as the fire to drive you in making the most of life, and make Oli proud."
Each tribute was met with a round of applause and, at the end of Ben's words, there was a standing ovation.
A further minute of applause for Oli was held at the end of the service.
Behind those who spoke, three large canvases of Oli stood next to a table containing some of his awards, trophies and much-loved sporting memorabilia.
Pictures from all stages of Oli's life were displayed on a big screen during the service, accompanied by Oasis song Live Forever, and hymns including All Things Bright and Beautiful. Prayers were also said for Oli, along with his family, friends and the people and paramedics who helped him after the incident.
Oli, who lived with Ben in Islington, was working as a recruitment consultant for firm Jam recruitment when he died.
