Black Country News: Bright farewell to hanged boy; DUDLEY: Funeral 'celebration' of 'caring' Michael's life.

Byline: By Steve Johnson 

THE funeral of a schoolboy found hanged at his home in the Black Country was taking place today.

The parents of ten-year-old Michael Turner were intending the service to be a celebration of his life, with mourners asked to wear bright clothing.

The service was being held at 2.30pm at St Francis's Church, in Laurel Road, Wrens Nest, Dudley, just yards from the family home.

Michael was found hanged in his bedroom eight days ago. He was taken to Russells Hall Hospital where he died seven hours later.

An inquest opened in West Bromwich last Thursday by Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain heard that Michael's organs were being donated to help others.

Michael had attended St Francis's since he was a baby.

His coffin was taken into the church yesterday.

His parents, Sue and Steve Turner, who also have a daughter, eight-year-old Katie, have asked mourners at today's service not to wear black.

They have also asked people not to send floral tributes and make donations instead to Children In Need.

The Rev Geoff Johnston, vicar of St Francis's Church, said that Michael's corneas and heart valves had been donated to help others.

"Michael's parents are concerned that something good should come out of this terrible situation," he said.

"As a family they had discussed organ donation and Michael was very much in favour of it."

Mr and Mrs Turner, who described their son as a "happy, caring little boy" said they believe he died due to a prank which went wrong.

CAPTION(S):

DONATION... Michael Turner.