STREETLIFE by Chase and Status resounded through a packed Salisbury church on Thursday as friends and family said farewell to an “adventurous, clever and compassionate” 19-year-old who championed the underdog and was “a rebel who followed his principles”.

Rob Sedden fell from a footbridge onto the dual carriageway between Castle roundabout and St Mark’s roundabout on May 4 and died at Southampton General Hospital ten days later having suffered serious injuries in the fall.

Paying tribute to her “funny, gentle and generous” son at the start of the funeral service at St Mark’s Church, Ann Carrington said: “It is no exaggeration to say that, as a family, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and sorrow for you from the moment news of your accident broke and in the weeks since your death.

“You probably had no idea just how much you were and are loved, and in truth, would have been bemused and a little embarrassed by all the attention.

“We have been inundated with presents and messages and 104 cards and letters at my last count. You would have been so cross to have missed all the food deliveries, picnics for the hospital, evening meals and cakes and a fridge and freezer full of goodies just waiting for you to transform them into something delicious.”

She spoke of his loyalty to his family and friends, his dry sense of humour and his congruence in addition to his passion for motor sports, cooking and music festivals such as NASS and WestFest.

He adored cats, often taking in rescues and was a kart-racing champion, having taken part in competitions across the country for many years.

Referring to her son as “fiercely determined and undoubtedly brilliant” on the track, Mrs Carrington also highlighted Rob’s interest in political issues and his concerns over those living on the margins of society. She recalled the time Rob brought home a young man who had fallen out with his parents and become homeless in the process, saying: “He came for one night and stayed for three months! That was the kind of genuine guy you were.”

The youngest of seven siblings, Rob had four sisters and two brothers. He had recently started a new job at Woolley and Wallis auction house having previously worked as a waiter at Milford Hall Hotel in Salisbury and was saving up to move in with his girlfriend Holly Lewis and some friends.

Holly, who met Rob 18 months ago while they were both working at Milford Hall Hotel, said: “Rob and I were inseparable. He was my best friend. I’m so thankful for all the time and adventures we had together.”

During the church service, tributes were paid by his sisters with his second eldest sister Marielle Whiting, 29, saying: “Rob, you were always your own person, a maverick really. You were dry and witty and astute and I don’t think you even knew.

“You were loving, caring, affectionate and real. You believed the best of people and if you could help them achieve their best, you would go out of your way to do it, sometimes to the detriment of yourself.”

Led by Reverend Jim Findlay, the service included a reading on Ecclesiastes 3 in addition to songs from My Chemical Romance and Foals with See You Again from the Fast and Furious film soundtrack played as the closing music.

Mrs Carrington said: “Rob, you were clever and talented and lovely, but mostly you underplayed this and wanted to blend in with the crowd.

“I wonder what you would like me to say to your friends? Well, you would probably be telling me in no uncertain terms that I have said more than enough already! I guess you would be telling them to ‘stay cool’ and to take care, to reach high and fulfil their dreams. I hope and believe they will.”

At the end of her eulogy, Mrs Carrington said a personal goodbye to her beloved son, saying he had kept her “young at heart” by filling the house with his music and friends and thanked him for the “richness and fun” he had brought to family life.