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Blue ribbons put up in Hoo and Stoke for funeral of Liam Graham who was found in the Netherlands

14:18, 02 February 2024

updated: 14:33, 02 February 2024

A village was decorated in blue for the funeral of a young man who was missing for five months and found dead in the Netherlands.

The procession for “kind-hearted” Liam Graham travelled through Stoke and Hoo this afternoon to allow the community to pay their respects.

The funeral procession went through Hoo and Stoke earlier today
The funeral procession went through Hoo and Stoke earlier today

Liam, of Heron Way in Lower Stoke, was last seen walking away from a car accident in a video taken in the early hours of Saturday, July 22, in Stoke Road.

His disappearance shocked the community who, alongside his family and friends, spent hours scouring the area where he went missing.

The search spanned almost four months with no trace of him until his wallet was found on farmland in October.

However, a month later, the police confirmed a body was recovered in the Netherlands and identified as Liam.

At an inquest opening held on January 8, assistant coroner Catherine Wood confirmed he had been found off the coast of the country in the North Sea on September 14.

Liam Graham went missing in July
Liam Graham went missing in July
The 22-year-old was last seen on video in Stoke Road after a crash
The 22-year-old was last seen on video in Stoke Road after a crash

Liam’s cause of death is unknown, and as a result, a full inquest will be held on Tuesday, March 26.

Today, several people lined Main Road, in Hoo, as the procession made its way to Thames View Crematorium, in Gravesend, where he will be laid to rest.

Blue ribbons and bows were also placed around the villages in his memory.

Lower Stoke Methodist Church, in Cuckolds Green Road, is also streaming Liam’s funeral to allow others to be part of the day.

Speaking previously, Liam’s sister, Holly Graham, said: “Liam was a very kind-hearted, caring, and an all-round beautiful person.

Blue ribbons have been stuck up around the village for Liam Graham's funeral
Blue ribbons have been stuck up around the village for Liam Graham's funeral
A blue ribbon was tied to the door of the Five Bells pub for Liam Graham's funeral on Friday
A blue ribbon was tied to the door of the Five Bells pub for Liam Graham's funeral on Friday

“He had a heart of gold and would help anybody who needed it.

“We as a family, miss him terribly and are just relieved to be able to finally put him to rest.

“Thank you to our wonderful community for all of the support during this entire time.

“We appreciate every share of posts and posters, every donation, and every person who searched for him with us and followed our journey.

“Liam's funeral will be a celebration, so please come and join us if you can.”

The funeral will be followed by a wake at Stoke Airfield and a fireworks display in the evening.

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