The heartbroken family of murdered teenager Kayden Moy will gather near the site of his stabbing for an emotional memorial organised by complete strangers.
The tribute event has been arranged by local residents in the Ayrshire town of Irvine, where the tragic attack occurred. Kayden's loved ones were approached by well-wishers eager to show their support.
Kayden's father Paul, 38, said the family has been left "overwhelmed" by the kindness shown toward his son. He revealed that a group of women from Ayrshire contacted him to organise a memorial event.
The gathering will take place at Irvine Boating Pond on Saturday, July 11. A Facebook post encouraging attendance urged supporters to wear green and bring a green balloon in tribute to the 16-year-old.
Paul wrote on social media: "We are overwhelmed by the kindness being shown for Kayden. I've been contacted by some lovely women from Ayrshire who told me that the people of Irvine would like to organise a balloon release in his memory. Get yourself down Saturday 11th July for Kayden."
Convictions in the killing
The moving event comes more than a year after Kayden, from East Kilbride, was fatally stabbed on Irvine Beach on May 17 last year. The apprentice painter and decorator had been involved in a confrontation between rival groups from his hometown. The court heard he stepped in as a peacemaker before he was attacked.
Last week, three youths were convicted in connection with the killing following a harrowing trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Cole Turley, 18, admitted murder, while Jay Stewart, also 18, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of acting alongside him in the fatal attack.
Jurors heard how the trio fled the busy beach after the stabbing. The court was told they later boasted about what they had done and even created a sick rap mocking the dying teenager.
Judge Lord Scott deferred sentence on Turley, Stewart and the 15-year-old pending the preparation of background reports. The three are due to return to court for sentencing next month.
