THE grieving family of a university student from Bolton who died at the age of just 19-years-old have thanked everyone for their support through their heartbreak.

Orlando Nyero’s body was found in a canal days after he went missing after a night out in Manchester.

The funeral of the much loved “son, brother and friend” took place just over a week ago, on Saturday, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Farnworth.

Among those paying their respects were teachers at Thornleigh Salesian College, which Orlando attended before going on to university.

The funeral was paid for by all those who loved him through making donations in his memory.

Close friend of the family Nsofwa Kangwa said: “The service was beautiful and there were so many people inside and outside the church, his family, friends and teachers from his school. The church was packed.”

She added: “The family want to let people how thankful they are for the support they have received from their neighbours and friends.

“It has really helped them through this time.

“Everyone has been so supportive and it has helped.”

Thousands of pounds were raised in Orlando’s memory, through friends setting up a fundraising page and through Kearsley Mount Methodist Church.

This said, Nsofwa reflected how loved he was by so many people.

Orlando, who grew up in Johnson Fold was the middle of five children. He was studying forensic science at Wolverhampton University.

His body was pulled from he canal in Whitworth Street West, Manchester. He was one of number of people who had died in the canals after a night out in the city. Orlando’s death prompted calls from the family to make the waterways safer for people in the city

.Following his death The Manchester Water Safety Partnership now seal off the canal towpath at certain times of the day.

Any money left over which was raised in Orlando’s memory will pay for a memorial service for the 86 victims whose bodies have been found in Greater Manchester’s canals since 2007.