Balloon release tribute to Sam (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Balloon release tribute to Sam

12:11pm Sunday 11th March 2007 in Chippenham By Joanne Moore

Balloons in the colours of Sam Odell's favourite football team were released yesterday at the wake of the young boy who died in a road accident in Chippenham.

A funeral service was held in private for Sam, 11, who was a big fan of Chelsea. At 1.30pm family and friends gathered to see blue and white balloons stream into the sky as a final tribute to the Corsham Primary School pupil.

His father Simon said: "The balloons were blue and white for Chelsea but also because he was a boy."

Messages of love and support were tied to the balloons.

The family wanted the funeral to be only for those who knew Sam best and kept its location a secret.

But they were glad for the balloon release outside the Bus Club in Woodlands Road to recorded in memory of the fun loving boy who adored sport.

The Gazette has launched a campaign, backed by Sam's dad and Sheldon School sixth-former Jesse Lake, for safety improvements to Hardenhuish Lane. Hundreds of people have so far signed our petition.

Mr Odell, of Marshall Street, Chippenham, said he will fight for safety improvements in Hardenhuish Lane. Sam was with friends when the accident happened and his father believes he was on his way to the park to play football.

Sam split his time between his mother's house in Broadmead, Corsham, and his father's home in Marshall Street that he shared with stepmother Kerry Odell, 38, and stepsister Ceiana, 13, a Hardenhuish School pupil.

His grieving father has called for a controlled crossing with traffic lights, barriers and flashing signs displaying a 20mph limit.