FOR the family of Jenna Brookfield the terrible events of recent weeks were made more bearable by the support and friendship they received. Jenna, 15, was yesterday laid to rest after a moving funeral service. Today her father, Nigel, 39, gives his personal thanks to everyone who offered their aid

'I would like to thank everyone who came to remember Jenna and pay their last respects. Thank you to all my family, friends and the police for all their help and support during this terrible time. Thank you to everyone who has sent us cards, flowers and messages - you've all been so kind.

'All the love and kindness in the world will never bring my Jenna back, but what it does do is help to restore some faith in humankind.

'It makes you realise that for every one evil person there are hundreds more good, decent people out there, and I think this gives us all some hope for the future.

'I must give a special mention to someone who is very special to me (even more so now) and that is my son, Neal.

'He's only 12, but the way he has gone about things in the last three months is amazing.

'He has shown great courage and has grown up rapidly, even though he has been hurting like hell inside. He is Jenna's half-brother, but they never saw it that way. They had a very special bond, and to Neal and Jenna they were simply brother and sister, end of story. Neal has been so brave and he really is a son I can be very proud of.

'I would like to thank my wife, Joyce, who has been my rock. She has given Neal and me so much support and I know it's been very difficult for her at times, but she has been very strong, I owe her a lot.

'To my mother, who isn't very well, but has once again shown great courage (she really is tough as old boots). I am very proud to be her son.

'To Gwyn, my liaison officer, who has helped us more than he'll ever know.

'To my best mate, Simon, who has always been there for me right throughout - a true friend.

'To all the staff and pupils at King Henry VIII School who have been so kind and helped Neal so much. It's been a great weight off our minds, knowing that when in school he is in such good hands.

'Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to Desiree for being such a good mother to Jenna - I couldn't have picked a better mum for her. She helped to make Jenna's short life a very happy one.

'I know Jenna loved her more than anyone.

'I think the courage and strength she has shown over this traumatic time is amazing, and her family should be very proud of her for that.'

* Pictured, Jenna Brookfield as a little girl, with father Nigel and step-brother Neal