A teenager from north Oxfordshire has passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” at his home.

Matthew Cowley, known as ‘Matty’, from Bloxham, near Banbury, died on Monday, November 13 at the age of 13.

His funeral service has been arranged to take place at St Mary’s Church in Banbury on Friday, December 8 at 11am.

Oxford Mail: Matty Cowley with his familyMatty Cowley with his family (Image: Contributed)

A spokesperson for Edd Frost & Daughters funeral directors said: “Matty passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home.

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“The much-loved son of Michael and Samantha, and an adored brother to Madison and Amie.

“The adored grandson of Caroline, Sandie, John and Paul. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and many, many friends.

“The family have requested that anyone attending the funeral service, to please wear something red.”

At 10.30am Matty’s funeral procession will pass The Warriner School in Bloxham, to allow those who wish to pay their respects in the village to do so.

Following the funeral service in Banbury, a private family committal will take place at the crematorium.

After the church service in Banbury, everyone is invited to make their way and gather in Jubilee Park, Bloxham, where the family, upon their return from the crematorium, will carry out a balloon release for Matty at approximately 12.45pm.

The funeral directors want to ensure as many people as possible are made aware of Matty’s forthcoming funeral arrangements.

Banbury United Football Club will be staging a minute’s applause in Matty’s memory during the 13th minute of tomorrow’s (Saturday, November 25) FA Trophy match v Nuneaton Borough.

A spokesman for the club said: “At tomorrow’s match we will be supporting the Cowley family and those who knew Matt Cowley, a local teenager who sadly passed away during the night on November 13.

“In the 13th minute of the game, reflecting that Matty was only 13 years old when he died, we invite home and away supporters at the ground to join us in a minute’s applause.

“Matty had strong family connections, past and present, to Banbury United and the wider local football community.

“His grandad was John Evans, one of Banbury United's former players and an old manager for the youth teams.

“Matty was a very popular pupil at The Warriner School and was loved by everyone who crossed his path.

“Friends of the Cowley family have set up a Go Fund Me page, to raise to have a bench in his memory; somewhere his friends can go to hang out with Matty and still feel close to him.

“Any additional funds will be given to Matty's family and used to help cover the costs of his funeral.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1