Irreplaceable (From Penarth Times)

Irreplaceable

HUNDREDS of mourners attended a service at All Saints Church last Thursday to pay their last respects to the Penarth teenager killed in a hit-and-run incident.

Craig Hopkins, aged 19, of Castle Avenue, died after being hit by a car in Penarth Road, Cardiff, just before 2.30am on Saturday, August 14. Lindsay Jones, Craig's uncle, said: "I think what most of Craig's friends will remember about him is his generosity and loyalty. He had a terrific sense of humour and always wore a smile on his face. I remember him smiling the last time I saw him before he went out that Friday night. "Craig and I used to go running together twice a week. We were best of mates and talked a lot.

"You read about terrible things happening in the newspapers but until you experience this kind of loss I don't think you can ever appreciate how painful it is.

"Craig was a young man in his prime, full of the zest of life who we will never see grow into an adult. My sister Andrea and Craig's dad Gerald will never get over this. They are broken-hearted. We are a close family and we'll pull together to get on with life as best we can, but what has been taken away from us is irreplaceable."

The Puff Daddy track I'll Be Missing You was played during an emotional service which also included the hymn Cwm Rhondda. Craig represented the Vale of Glamorgan Schools at rugby and won the governors' shield when he attended Evenlode Primary.

At the time of his death, he was employed by Edmundson Electrical Ltd.

Craig's parents Andrea and Gerald Hopkins said: "Everyone who knew Craig will remember how good-looking, caring and humorous he was. He was also dedicated to fitness throughout his life.

"Craig will remain an inspiration to us all, particularly for the way he put others first. He had so many friends who looked up to him and respected him. Craig's elder brother Karl is missing him deeply. Craig was his best friend as well as his loving brother."

Craig's girlfriend Donna Murphy said: "I can't believe I'll never again be able to hold someone I love so much."

l Barry man, Daryl Gronow, 19, of Lee Road, has appeared before magistrates charged with the murder of Craig Hopkins. He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Cardiff Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on October 18.