Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Mother’s tribute to crash victim, 18
Monday 1st December 2008, 11:40AM GMT.
The grieving mother of a teenager tragically killed on his way home from work today paid tribute to her “lively and bubbly” son.
Shaun Billingham, who celebrated his 18th birthday only last Sunday, was a former pupil of Hillcrest School in Netherton, Dudley, and one of nine children.
His mother Tracey said she was still in shock after the fatal two-car smash on Friday night in Newtown Lane, Cradley Heath, which left her fourth eldest child dead.
The accident involved a Vauxhall Astra and Shaun’s Rover 214, which collided near the Holly Bush pub just after 10pm.
The 39-year-old said the tight-knit family had been flooded with best wishes from relatives and friends at their home in Warrens Hall Road.
She spoke proudly of her hard-working son, who was named prom prince at his final year Hillcrest School ball last year. Shaun was studying sports development and fitness at Halesowen College and had a part-time job as a cashier and sales assistant at Tesco in Cradley Heath.
Mrs Billingham said he had planned to join the Army after completing his college course.
She added: “He was so lively and bubbly. He was very well groomed. He was very image-conscious and took pride in his appearance.
“He was very well-liked. He was one of nine children and they were all very close.”
Shaun was a big wrestling fan and enjoyed watching matches on television and going to live shows across the Midlands. He was also a keen weightlifter. The death of Shaun is a further tragedy for the family to deal with following the diagnosis of his 52-year-old father Colin’s brain tumour.
Mrs Billingham said she suspected something was wrong when she tried to contact Shaun after he had finished a shift at Tesco on his mobile phone but got no answer.
Shaun leaves seven brothers and one sister ranging in age from nine to 23. He also had three nephews and one niece.
Mrs Billingham said: “They have been left devastated and are shocked by what has happened.”
The family are hoping to make arrangements for the funeral in the next few days.
Police have appealed for any witnesses to the accident to call 0845 113 5000.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested and questioned by officers.
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I was Shaun’s tutor at Halesowen College and have been really upset by the news of his death. Shaun was working hard at college and was doing well on his Sports course. My thoughts go to his family at this difficult time.
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R.i.p Shaun,
Didnt Know This Lad
But Showing My Respects
And My Love Goes Out To All His Family
And Freinds
xxxxxx
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shaun was a great friend, dont think i can say one bad thing about him. we was in the same class last year and he was one of the boiz alwayz laffin with a smile on his face. still can beileve hes gone. hpe you in a better place, miss u loads m8 see you soon. Eman
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Shaun well what can i say about him, he is a good lad and i haven’t got a bad word to say about him. He was always happy and full of joy. he was a good mate to everyone around college and no-one disliked him. i always think about shaun from the day i heard about the news but now. i know that he is in a better place now. i always say to myself. ‘we have lost a solider, but heaven has gained an angel’ see you soon m8. Tyler
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All who study and work at Halesowen College have been deeply saddened to hear of the tragic Death of Shaun, I have taught Shaun for the last year and half at the college and will personally miss his cheeky little smile in lessons and his enthusiasm for his studies. Shaun had many friends and touched the lives of all his teachers and peers. He was a vivid personality and a role model for younger pupils. Always alert to the needs of others, he will live long in the memories of everyone who knew him. There is a palpable sense of shock here. To have lost someone so young in such circumstances is utterly tragic. Our deepest sympathies are with Shauns family.
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Both staff and students have spent the day at college remembering Shaun. It has been especially difficult to accept that we will not see Shaun again. A lad with the whole world ahead of him and a career in Sport within his reach. He was doing all the things that he should; working hard at college, working part-time for some extra cash and now all we are left with are memories and thoughts of what could have been. We will miss you Shaun.
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i only knew shaun since a started college in september but it feels as know ive known him all my life. everytime he was at college he was gauranteed to make u laugh. had some great times in college with him in the space of just 3 months wish i could have many more with him. im still in shock after hearing the news and it still hasnt sunk in that he has gone. im sure hes in a much better place now though and im sure he will be remembered by all that knew him. take care mate see you soon
will
x
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Shaun was a great lad, always so happy and full of joy. Although i did not know him as good as others i feel like he was a good friend and im sure i would of had a great friend by the end of the course. he would always make college fun! and today it was not the same with out him, i have not stopped thinking about him since i found out and i still cant belivie its true.
everyone is missing him already!
Ash. x
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R.I.P Shaun, i love you, i cant beleive wats happened, u was the BEST boyfreind in the world and i couldnt ask 4 better. i remember we neva had 1 single arguement, WE WERE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN!!! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE!! its still sinkin in to me, ur family and ur freinds, u was such a crazy boyfreind and u loved to experience new things with me. im going 2 MISS YOU very much, i always imagine the good times we had and how GOOD u treated me and how u always sed ur the best GIRLFREIND u have eva had. i remember the 1st day u told me that YOU LOVED ME. the great times will always be with me and so will YOU, MY BABY BOY. i remember wen u used to show me ur wrestlin moves with all ur figures and then u used to do them on me. U WAS MUCH LOVED BY EVERY1. I have dun nuffin but cry, i want u bk!!! i feel like my life is not worth living any more, without u. i remember word 4 word the time wen we was lyin on ur bed talkin about havin kidz!! the convoz run thru my mind every minute of the day. I LOVE YOU MR SHAUN BILLINGHAM 4 EVER AND ALWAYS STACKS OF KISSES LOVE FROM UR GIRLFREIND KATIE YARDLEY!! I MISS YOU BBEZ! .X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X.X. MY LOVE 4 U WILL NEVA END AND I MEAN IT!!
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I knew Shaun for about 6 years from school where he was the year above me. I came up to college and ended up in the same class, he was one of the people who made an effort to make you feel welcome and show you around. He was always smiling and making a joke of almost everything. He would do anything for a laugh and to entertain other people. He would always lift the mood of the class and made college more worth while. Miss you loads Shaun. See you at the gates. X
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Shuanny Boy!!
the so much i could say but i will always remember the first time we spoke and made me laugh. “yes sam , erm thats your name isnt it?” and i replied “yes it is shane” lol. from then on you never failed to make me laugh, from the roof of your car to the fire extinguisher. you will be sadley missed man, i know your in a better place and looking down on us all.
See you again mate
Take Care
R.i.p Shaun
sam xxx
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well i started at the college this year and over the short time that i have known him, i can see why people will miss him as he was always there to make people laugh and smile. i will always remember the first lesson with stacey when he said kinky kirstie and sexy shaun for hiswhen learning peoples names. you are a true legend mate. ant.
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R.I.P SHAUN
I HAD KNOWN SHAUN SINCE YEAR 9 WE WENT TO THE SAME SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AND IT FEELS SAD THAT HES GONE.I HAD ABOUT THE SAD NEWS THIS MORNING AND AM STILL IN SHOCK I JUST CANT BELIEVE BELIEVE BUT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER SHAUN AS A FUNNY AND NICE PERSON AND I KNOW HES NOW IN BETTER PEACEFUL PLACE. MY THOUGHTS GO TO HES FAMILY AND HES OTHA FRIENDS
R.I.P
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Shaun was such a nice lad, whenever i seen him around he would always stop to talk and would have a constant smile on his face. in lessons at school he always made me laugh from the funny things he used to come out with an his cheeky grin, which i can still picture now. i will now hold onto those memories forever. He will never be forgotten
R.I.P Shaun…x
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I hadnnt known shaun for that long but i am so glad and grateful i got to know him in the short time that we had, he was always smilin and makin me laugh and he was suchh good company to be around. To be honest there is nothing bad i could say about him, he was a great friend to have had! All my lovee, thoughts and sympathy go out to Shauns family and other friends!
Miss you so much Shaun, see you soon.
x x x x x x
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Shaun was a good kid, he was a person/pupil/family member which anybody could get along with, this is such a heartbreaking accident which wasn’t his fault. He used to make everyone laugh, keep everybody happy and he was just a happy person. I used to talk to him all the time last year and did so this year, i can’t believe this happened to him, he didnt deserve this at all! He was also a really good friend to me and many others, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, i really hope the person who did this goes down because he deserve it. I will be paying my respects everyday and i will do my best to attend the funeral, i think he would want me and all other friends/family/if possible teachers to be there. At least your in a better place and heaven deserve’s a friend like you! loads of love and respect, thinking about you always, see you soon mate.
Steven Boot(Well Bootz he didnt no my first name)
P.S. Shauns family ino this is such a heartbreaking situation to be going through, but try your best to keep your heads held high because even though youve lost such a great son, he is always there in your hearts, my love goes to all you aswell.
x x x x
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I am a resident of Swallow Close. My fellow neighbours and myself have been asking the police and the council for the last 3 years to do something about speeding traffic along this stretch of road before it leads to a death. Sadly what everyone knew has now happened and the lives of a lot of people will never be the same again. My sympathy goes out to the family and friends of this promising young man. My anger and contempt goes to the people that could have prevented it happening! HOW MANY MORE HAVE TO DIE?
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Shaun was a great lad, always had a smile on his face and never failed to give us that smile aswell, unfortunatly me and plenty others only had the pleasure of knowing him for just over a couple of months, your being missed mate, and there will be alot of times when were wishing you were here to put a smile on our faces, youl never be forgotten.
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R.I.P Shaun you will be missed by everyone. You were a truely good friend and you were loved by everyone. You will definately be missed and you will never be forgotten. You never hurt anyone and this certainly shouldn’t of happened to you. Everyone is thinkin about you m8. Everyone are also thinking about your family at this moment in time. So like i said R.I.P m8.
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Well what a great chap he was new him since primary and been a great friend all the way up spent amazing lessons in hillcrest with him so shocked and still are about the incident, always made me laugh was a pleasure knowing him. We are deeply sorry for his family and give sympathy for all of them.
see you up there when the time comes.
miss you mate x
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RIP i dunno this lad but my heart goes out to his family and friends ……..god bless u xxxxxx
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I’m still in shock about whats happend. I only knew Shaun for a short period at college, but I always got on with him and you won’t find a funnier lad than Shaun.He always had a smile on he face and was always trying to make people laugh. he used to text me pretending to be a girl while i was with my girlfried to make her jealous, which was just typical Shaun having a laugh and pulling harmless pranks on friends.
You will be deeply missed by all. Miss you mate R.I.P x
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R.I.P shaun, i didnt know shaun for that long, but it seems like i knew him for lyf. i think i can say on behalf of ever1 that he was a legend, always up for a laugh. when i found out of this tragedy i was in total shock that something like this can happen to sum1 that had his life infront of him, its a total shame. He always used to walk up to me and give me hug as a joke sum tyms even a kiss!. that just shows what he was like, didnt care what ppl thought and just enjoyed himself.
My heart goes out to the family of shaun. ill see you soon m8!!
R.I.P X X X X X
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I never knew this lad..
but my love goes out to all the family and friends who new him
i no this is a hard thing to go threw but just remember God needed an angel and they wanted Shaun
family and friends its hard i no but always keep your head holding high because he is always watching down over you, and he wouldnt want to see you upset =]
my love goes out to everyone who knows him
R.I.P little angel
xxxxxxxx
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shaun was one of my close friends he was close to my family and i am still close to theres i feel the pain they are going threw and all we can do is think of all of the good times we had together as a estat atleast i dont have to make him cup of teas anymore but i now he is watchuing down on all of us
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I knew this lad from year 7 in school, he was a very popular lad and will be deeply missed by everyone. He was always the centre of attention. I still cant believe that this has happened to him, i feel so sorry for him and his family.
R.I.P mate
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i new shaun since year 7. he was such a gd m8,he was always making jokes out of nothing and everyone liked him. i am still in shock as most people are about his death. i feel so sorry for his family at this time i no what its like to loose a loved one so my sympathy is with them.
R.I.P Shaun
we’ll miss ya
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Hey Shaun!
Ive only just started college this year and only knew you for 3 months..but your a great lad!..He would never do or say anything bad about anyone, always smiling and making the form laugh.I can’t believe whats happened..i haven’t stopped thinking of you since the day i found out..i’ll always remember when you shouted out Kinky Kirstie and then on your name Sexy Shaun haha..im gonna miss you loads shaun..rest in peace
See you soon. Kirst xxx
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In the short time i have known shaun at colege he has has been a good friend and never failed to make anyone laugh. Since the day that we met he called me ‘happy Helen’ and will never forget that. He will be missed by us all. R.I.P shaun. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
Xxx
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R.I.P Shaunn
I dont no this chappy but he seems pretty amazing tbf
ive read all these comments and theyve left me with tears
i can understand what pain you all have to go through. But shaun is looking down on you all 24-7
shaun was probably in the wrong place at the wrong time and some twat shouldnt of been on the road becuase that person dont realise how much damage hes done to all his friends/family/tutors ect so he should get sent down if im honest
Shauns family keep your head high your son is looking down on you and im sure hed want us all to be happy when i no we cant
r.i.p babee
least your in a better place now
P.S your being missed millions day in day out
i look on my msn contacts and most people have got your name in there name
xxxxx <3
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well wot can i say about my little brother he was a funny out going lad always looked after himself never hurt anyone i cant believe it happened to him theres a big whole in the family your brothers nephews niece family miss you lifes not the same without you christmas wont be the same again i want my little brother back why did god have to take him hes now one of gods special angels watching over us you were much loved R.I.P. miss you forever.xxx
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Shauny B,
You were my best mate and you always will be!!! Ive known you nearly all of my life through nursury, primary and secondary school. There are so many memories i could write about but id go on and on forever because there are so many!!!! The majority of the memories i have is me and you laughing together beacuse thats what we always used to do. Through secondary school was proberbly some of the best times we had because we both had a bloody good laugh!!!! For me, the Wales trip stands out alot because everyone was together and we had a quality time!!!!!!!!
I’ll miss you always mate and i hope to see you again soon
Love Scotty B X
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Shauno.. What can i say..
6 Years i knew you, 3 of them in a relationship. We had so many memories where can i start? Ive Wrote some of them in your memorial book but theres so many more.. It all started on November 5th, then carried on from January 21st.. like me and you playing duvet monsters and dancing the macarena to every song that came on. How could someone ever take you away? Prom Prince and Princess and our little trip to western where we dug holes and ate.. and ate… hehe and somehow went to sleep without being robbed on the beach. I loved how you tried to wrestle me but i’d always reverse it haha and we’d box and go on our jogs. You’re hair was always messy when you was with me and so perfect out hehe. And when we did that paper round haha… So Many memories ill never forget lorno. Times in the sun, snow, rain. Theres just too many, 6 years wouldnt fit on one page. I just hope you can hear everything i say when i lie and talk to you. I hope your doing ok up there, You’re in a better place now..
Rest In Peace Angel
You’ll Always Be In My Heart
Lots of Love
Zoe
x
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Shaun,
Well where can i start…..its been 6years since i met u at school. I remember all those piss ups up netherton, break and dinner at school and up sledmere of course! i spoke to you more than ever when i got with stu. i never thought 4 one moment that u would be gone someday but i’ll never forget you. you were always so happy all the time and i hope you’re happy where you are now. I hope you can see what everyone has done in memory of you. Everyone is thinking of you and will miss you so much. Sledmere won’t be the same without you now. you were absolutely amazing and you have left footprints in so many peoples lives.
i’ll miss you.
rest in peace shauny boy
Danni xx
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SHAUNY BBE, I MISS YOU, the amount of memories that my head stores about us 2 is unbelieveable. i cant believe still that we wont eva lie in bed agn 2getha, or sing to songs 2gether on ur sterio or wrestle or go running around dudley car park, there is a big GAP now in my heart that can never be replaced only wen i see u wen i reach the gates of HEAVEN, were we will be reunited! the time we spent was just the best, like memba wen, me you loraine n tez was at himley and it was rainin badley and the crowd was standin still and you with ur arms around me while i was dancing like a nutty, and every1 was lookin and u was embarrassed but couldnt stop laffin and also wen me n u went bowlin n i was in te lead but then u got in front and poor u nearly fell down the alley haha, also wen we used to go in ur car all the way to cradley tescos just so that u cud buy sum donuts n u wud tek ur time findin the ones u wantd, ha also u was the worst person i no for FARTIN, u even cudn help ur self in the cinema at jordans bday, so every1 cud hear, the funny times ay, i cud list them all but by the time i do ill be up there with you bbe.
well im gonna see u for 1 last time at the chapel, were u will be dressed in a suit or hopefully the jeans i bout u 4 ya bday. i will be attendin the funeral bbe lookin like a FROG becuz i have dun nuffin but CRY. it hurts me to think bout wen we used to plan our future 2geva, n now all that is ruined bcuz of sum silly f**kin pissed up driver.
Well im going to put more flowers at the scene 2mz.
I LOVE YOU
SHAUNY BBE
I CANT BELIEVE U HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM ME LIKE THIS! :-(
well il see u shortly in the chaple,
i love you shaun
take care
i know ur by my side
u will neva be 4gotten lots of love and stacks of kisses love your gilfreind katie.
see you soon babe.
love you loadz
.x.x.x.
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words are not enough.
i still cant believe you’ve gone. in the short time i knew you, you were always full of joy and it was contagious :) you will be sadly missed and college wont be the same without you!
R.i.p mate,
x.x.x.x Vicki x.x.x.x
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hey shauny boi,
hows it goin up there ? bet u alredy got a car ay ya lol god u loved you cars n changed em evry month lol u gave usso many lauhs chick n its never gonna b the same wiv out u ! all the drivin missions, the car parks, and ill neva forget u in ya dungarees n sun glasses, even wen it was dark u ad them on lolx gd me n very1 miss u sooo much shaun jus wish it wasnt u cuz u was amazin ! but i knw u are lookin over all of us, especially wen we toppled that car haha bet u pissed yaself day ya ! well where ever u am i hope u living it up like u always did xsee u soon babe sleep tight xxxxxxxxxxx love u xxxxxxx
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R.i.p shaun !
gone but never forgotten </3
love you always babe x
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didnt know you, but it seems you will missed by so many. only god knows why you were chosen, your familys and friends loss is heavens gain, im sure you will be giving your family the strength to cope with their grief. rest in peace. love to your family xxx
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Shaun,
been a while since i was at college with you as i left in the earlier stages, but the short time i was there you made it worth going mate. made me laugh so much in lesson and out :)i will Remember all the good times we had even though it was for such a short time. you will truely be missed by many. my thoughts are with your family at this time. will never forget you mate. take care up there
R.I.P Shaun X
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Shaun Mate
i know its took me a while to write a comment mate but as you may now my keyboards crap and i just bought a new one. Well what can i say its been a week now since you past and well…. its crap i think were just to used to you coming out and having a laugh with us :/. i know you wouldn’t want us be sad mate but its too hard to cope with knowing that your not hear. I know your mom and family are coping as well as they can and everyone around the estate misses you, hope your having fun squirting people with sauce up there :) good time, you will never be forgotten mate rest in peace love you xxxx
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R.I.P shauny boy (horny has koby wud say) will always be missed but never forgotten! u were a very loved lad by many of ppl family friends u were special to every1 its jus a shame u were took in this way but god only want and takes special ppl and tht is wat he has done! u didnt deserve this at all forever u will b missed u happy chappy u were xx jus such a shock for every1 u were taken from us so soon! atleast we know ur in a good place n u will b watchin dwn on ur family forever cherishing them as u do every1 proud R.I.P xxx love you always forever missed love stacey and 3 maties!
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R.I.P shaun.
You Will Be sadly missed by me and many others.
you were a great lad always had a smile on your face. always jokin and messin around at school. you will never be forgotton shaun.
Sleep tight.
lots of love
x x x
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R.I.P Shaun.
Although we lived on the same estate, I did not know you, just your little brothers Ricky and Shane. Heaven must be running low on angels, so have called you cause you are special. My love and thoughts go out to your family at this very sad time. In a better place now. Rest Peacefully. Nicki, Andy and Milly xxx
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