Heartfelt tributes to 'beautiful' Jody (From Stroud News and Journal)

Heartfelt tributes to 'beautiful' Jody

HUNDREDS of people descended on the serene grounds of Stroud's Hawkwood College to celebrate the life of former Archway School pupil, Jody Dobrowski, who was attacked and killed in London eight weeks ago.

The 24-year-old was found unconscious on Clapham Common in the early hours of October 16 but later died in hospital after suffering severe head, neck and facial injuries.

In a heartfelt tribute to her 'far too brave and much too beautiful' son, Sheri Dobrowski addressed a packed room of family and friends.

This included a 30-strong group from Bar Risa/Jongleurs in London where Jody had recently been promoted to bar and entertainment manager.

Mrs Dobrowski proudly spoke of her beloved son who was on the up having just moved into a new Central London apartment and gained promotion at work.

And then referring to a letter received from Jody the day before his death, Mrs Dobrowski directed her speech to her son.

"You never had to write, I know you and love you for whoever you are - who couldn't?

"I have always known you only borrow our children.

"You have to share them with others so they can grow - grow wings and fly. You are flying Jody.

"I send you my love and blessing."

Family and friends then shared their thoughts on Jody's life.

"Nobody had a bad word to say about Jody," said his stepfather, Mike Haddock.

And a friend from Jody's Cardiff University days, said: "He was the most kind and caring person I have ever met.

"He was charming and enchanting and most of us were under his spell." Many fought through tears as the ceremony drew to a close to join in a rendition of 'All You Need is Love' by guitarist, Jo Butler and saxophonist, Patsy Gamble.

Having filed out of the college to Pink Floyd's 'Shine on Crazy Diamond' the congregation divided into two lines and Jody's coffin was carried to the hearse to a spontaneous and spirited round of applause.

*Two men have been charged with Jody's murder and will appear at the Old Bailey on January 31.