The family of a teenager who died after an argument in the street are getting tattoos as a permanent reminder of him.
Connor Saunders died last month after an incident outside Tesco Express in West Street, Rottingdean.
More than 500 people attended a celebration of the 19-year-old’s life at St Margaret’s Church in Rottingdean last week.
Jamie Denyer, Connor’s uncle, said: “It was overwhelming to see so many people there.
“From the number of people that came to the candlelit vigil last month and the number of messages we received from people it was not a surprise but it was just totally overwhelming.”
Mr Denyer thanked those at the Parc charity shop who provided food and Peacehaven and Telscombe FC for hosting the wake.
Among ways to remember the talented footballer, family and friends are getting tattoos in Connor’s name.
Mr Denyer said Connor’s mum Darran and sister Courtney had already had artwork done, while he and Connor’s brother would get a tattoo in the coming weeks.
Mr Denyer said it will be an imprint of Connor’s hand around his arm so they can “reach out and hold him and always feel close to him”.
He added: “It’s not just his family and friends, there are people we do not know who are getting them done.”
On Saturday Whitehawk and Crawley Down wore shirts as a tribute to Connor before the Sussex Senior Cup Final at the American Express Community Stadium. Both were clubs that Connor, of Downsway, Woodingdean, had played for.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear at Brighton Youth Court on May 15 charged with manslaughter.
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