THE joy of England's Rugby World Cup victory was a bittersweet moment for the grieving parents of school stabbing victim Luke Walmsley.
For not only was the 14-year-old lad a devoted fan— rooting for his heroes right up to his tragic death. He had even been tipped as a future England star himself.
And in their first interview since Luke died, mum Jayne and dad Paul, pictured left, revealed how they wept when a letter of tribute to their son arrived in the post from the victorious team—just THREE MINUTES after the final whistle.
Jayne, 40, told us: "I had to watch the game because I knew it was what Luke would have wanted.
"It was so hard to do and I was in tears throughout. Luke's pictures stand on the mantelpiece and I gave him a running commentary. I was sure that he could hear me.
Moving
"When England lifted the cup it was a very strange emotion. I knew that the rest of the country was celebrating and I was just as proud—but at the same time it was heartbreaking because Luke wasn't there to enjoy it too.
"Then that letter from England coach Clive Woodward was delivered through the door just minutes later and I couldn't believe it."
The moving note read: "I was desperately sad to hear of the tragic loss of your son Luke. I understand he was a keen rugby player. All the England players and management team currently competing in the Rugby World Cup in Australia want to say our thoughts are with you."
With welling eyes, Jayne added: "It was then that I knew that somewhere Luke must have been willing them to win—and we were just so proud that the team had him in their thoughts.
"The letter just couldn't have arrived at a more poignant and emotional time for us because Luke lived for rugby and football. Now that's how I want to remember him ...as a proud and promising sportsman who touched the lives of everyone and loved life."
All Britain was shocked at gifted Luke's stabbing in a corridor at Birbeck High School, North Somercotes, Lincolnshire. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with his murder.
And as Luke's parents—who are separated—fight to come to terms with their loss, they opened up the family photo album to reveal what a happy youngster Luke was. And how his life had been so full of promise.
School rugby instructor David Griffiths, a former Welsh international, had recognised Luke's remarkable natural talent for the game and put his name forward to English county chiefs.
Jayne proudly showed us a handwritten letter of condolence in which the president of the England Rugby Football Schools Union, Eric Blackman, wrote: "Our county officials were well aware that in Luke the school had produced an up-and-coming star performer.
"In addition to his prowess as a rugby player he was also a fine young man who was a credit to you and his school. I would want you to know that we share your feeling of loss."
Fighting back tears, Jayne admitted: "What I still find hard to accept is that I'll never know how far Luke could have gone in rugby, or whatever he chose as his career.
"The letter says it all...who knows, he could have earned a place in a future World Cup squad. He may have been the next Jonny Wilkinson. But we'll never know."
In the weeks before his death Luke had been obsessed with the run-up to the World Cup. Jayne recalled: "He never missed a match and we'd always watch them together.
"He was absolutely convinced that England were going to win and he desperately wanted one of those tight-fitting shirts they wore. I said that if England did win the first thing I'd do was buy him one. Now I'd give absolutely anything to be able to see him wearing that shirt. I just wish I could see the look of pride and joy on his face.
"All through the match I was describing the action to Luke and it just felt like the right thing to do.
"Luke would always give me an in-depth commentary of all his own games. He'd talk about them non-stop. You just couldn't get a word in edgeways when he was talking about football or rugby.
"I suppose it was my way of dealing with grief but I felt I didn't want to miss watching the game with him like always. It was so emotional and I was in tears throughout.
"When the final whistle blew I was consumed by the grief of Luke not being able to see it for himself—and not being able to share that magic moment with him as a mother.
"I just kept thinking how I should have been taking him down the sports shop to buy that England shirt."
At Luke's funeral last week dad Paul read out an essay Luke penned just weeks before his death.
Shaking
Under the title, "The things that make life worth living," the carefree teenager wrote:
"I think the things that make life worth living are girls—especially fit ones. There are also other things like having fun, enjoying yourself, being happy, things like that make your life worth living. You only get to live once so you may as well enjoy your life..."
Shaking with emotion, Paul told us: "We found the piece when we were going through Luke's school work and it brought tears to our eyes.
"You can tell he had a wonderful sense of humour, talking about girls the way teenage boys do.
"He was so full of life and had everything to live for—especially sport.
"Reading his words now is so painful. What a profound waste of a young and talented life."
In memory of Luke, his parents have now set up a fund aiming to raise £1million for a new sports hall in his home town.
Jayne said: "We want to build something positive in Luke's name so that his legacy will live on and help other young people achieve their goals.
"It's exactly what he would have wanted because that's the way he lived his life with every breath."
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