Family and friends celebrate the life of 'gentle', 'unique' and 'kind' boy with 'beautiful' Disney-themed funeral

Aiden Griffiths has been described as a lovely boy who was ‘full of life’ by his mum, Jolene, who said he always brought a smile to her face.

The 22-year-old, who had severe autism and epilepsy, died on March 9, 2025 after suffering multiple seizures, leaving a void in his family, who came together last week to celebrate his life.

Due to his sudden death, Aiden’s family had to wait nine months to lay their loved one to rest - but they have spent that time ensuring he had the best farewell, along with the help of Forever Together Funeral Care.

Jolene said: “Aiden had a mental age of four-years-old because of his severe autism and he was also non verbal but he was such a gentle soul, who loved cuddles.

“He was kind and cheerful, he was a lovely boy. He was the reason I got up in the mornings - no matter how bad my day was, he would put a smile on my face.

“After Aiden passed we were beside ourselves so we wanted to concentrate on something that we could submerge ourselves into so we wanted to give him the best send off.”

Over 100 people attended Aiden’s funeral, which took place on November 28 at St George’s Church, with the team at Forever Together going “above and beyond” by dressing up as Disney characters.

Jolene said the funeral directors did everything in their power to make sure the day was special and they even closed two of their branches in Aiden’s memory.

The team also adorned his coffin with Toy Story graphics and favourite toys, with the Waterlooville mum saying: “They wore Winnie the Pooh costumes and the girls wore Disney princess outfits.

“It was absolutely perfect for Aiden - It was beautiful and I cannot fault them for all they have done.

“He was full of life and he didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He was so cheeky - his laugh was so stomach wrenching that it was contagious.

“He was a lovely and unique and kind boy. I will miss him always.”