An inspiring and brave boy who died following a two-year cancer battle has been laid to rest, with his family saying the day was “perfect in every way”.

Oli Ross, from Ashford, died on August 26 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021 when he was just 15 years old.

On Tuesday, final farewells were made to the teen at St Mary’s Church in Kennington which was followed by a wake at Conningbrook Hotel. Friends and family lined the streets as the funeral car made its way to Oli’s final resting place.

“Fabulous flowers” were included in the service showcasing some of the 17-year-old’s favourite things including an arrangement of a McDonald’s caramel frappe, which he loved.

His mother, Claire Ross-Duffield spoke of the day, which she says saw a “sea of green” as per her son’s request.

“The day was faultless and perfect in every way as was Oli,” she said.

“There was a sea of green clothing as per Oli's request and fabulous flowers by Caroline Miller spelling out ‘Oli and Legend’, a Deadpool, and Oli’s favourite drink.

“His cortege was led by a friend’s green Lamborghini, which had taken Oli on several bucket list trips in it before.

“Then an Ashford fire engine followed from the station where Kev, Oli’s stepdad works.”

Oli was a huge fan of The Sidemen – a group of YouTubers – and used his ‘Make a Wish’ to meet them which his mum said he described as “the best day of his life”.

They made a special contribution on the day and provided a floral tribute for the family.

“The funeral was led by Dawn the vicar who captured Oli perfectly, and was directed by Haddaway and Denton who were amazing,” Mrs Ross-Duffield added.

“The church was packed, so we also had the church hall with a projector which was also full and people stood outside. Then more than 1,000 people joined the webcast online to watch Oli’s send off.”

The mother added a family friend had told her the tributes were “poignant, funny and emotive” and praised her, Oli’s sisters, girlfriend and family for “bravely” standing up and sharing a “glimpse of OIi’s life and personality so beautifully”.

Posting on the Facebook page “Oli’s fight against Jerry” which documented the brave teenager’s two-year journey with cancer, his family wrote: “[We] would like to thank everyone for coming today and to everyone who logged on online.

“We are exhausted mentally, physically, emotionally, in every way possible but what an amazing send off for our gorgeous boy, perfect in every way, as was he!

“Georgia Ross and Lou Shoveller your bravery today was as always mind-blowing, couldn't be prouder of the pair of you.”

Tributes have also poured in online for the Norton Knatchbull pupil with more than £3,000 being raised for Demelza.

A line on the site reads: “This site is a tribute to Oli. He is much loved and will always be remembered.”

A friend of the family, Jess Buckland, is shaving her hair off to raise money in Oli’s memory.

It will be on September 25 at Charisma Barbers in Ashford.

Jess shared details of the event on Facebook, saying: “As promised to Oli, shaving my head to raise money for his chosen charity, or for his go fund me page.

“It's extremely sad that he cannot be here to see it but dig deep people, I know times are hard, but this is to make others less fortunate have a better life or a chance at least.”