A YOUNG dad who was stabbed to death has been remembered at an emotional funeral service.
Danny Parekh was laid to rest at Bulwell Cemetery after a ceremony at St Ann with Emmanuel Church, in St Ann's, yesterday.
The 21-year-old was found with a stab wound in the leg in a park off Oakleigh Street, Old Basford, on July 8. He died in hospital a few weeks later.
Yesterday his coffin was carried in to the church followed by family including his mum, Lesa Buckingham, and dad Vijay.
Dozens of friends, some wearing T-shirts and tops with "RIP Danny" on them and his favourite colours of red and black, also filled the church.
The service was led by the Reverend Karen Rooms.
She said: "We'll remember Danny, tell his story and share his memories and give thanks for his life and all that remains."
Danny was born on February 16 1991 and grew up in St Ann's, living for many years in Serlby Rise.
He was a former Blue Bell Hill Primary School pupil and was living in Old Basford when he died, having moved there four years ago.
In a speech read out on her behalf by Reverend Rooms, his mother Lesa paid tribute to her son as a "mischievous and loving" child.
"He was the best son, always smiling with his pure white teeth," she said.
Danny left a three-year-old son, Antwon, who Danny had with his former fiancee Melissa Freeman, 18, of Bestwood Park.
Standing beneath a projector screen showing pictures of Danny, his sister Kirah Henry-Buckingham, 20, said: "Danny was my big brother and me and him were so close."
Fighting back tears, she added: "Danny was very kind and caring, loveable, respectful and helpful to his family and friends. We miss him so much even though me and him would be falling out."
Kirah was among the pall-bearers as Danny's coffin was carried out of the church to the song Danny Boy.
He was buried in Bulwell Cemetery with his brother, Anton, who was stillborn in 1994.
Danny, who had nine brothers and sisters, had been planning to go to college before his death.
On Saturday, more than 100 people attended a fundraising event in Danny's memory in St Ann's at the Chase Neighbourhood Centre, which raised about £400 towards the cost of Danny's funeral.
The appeal is still open – donations should be taken to the centre, in Robin Hood Chase.
A 20-year-old man and 15-year-old youth have been charged with his murder.
