Family and friends remember Born to be Different’s William Davis, from Bury St Edmunds, as ‘loving’ and ‘unique’
“Unique, taught others how to laugh, had no filter and loved the ladies.”
These were just some of the heartfelt tributes shared at the funeral of William Davis as family and friends celebrated the life of the 24-year-old, who touched the hearts of the nation.
William’s life with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) was chronicled on Channel 4 documentary series Born to be Different over 20 years and millions watched him and his family through good and challenging times.
TSC is a disorder which caused mainly non-cancerous tumours to develop in different parts of his body and he also had autism.
William or Wills, as his family called him, was a big fan of Doctor Who and Disney. His coffin was painted to look like a TARDIS and was taken to the crematorium in a 1973 VW transporter.
Music at the service included Dr Who XI, Harry’s Wondrous World from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and I am the Doctor from Doctor Who.
Jessie, William’s sibling described their ‘big little brother’ as their partner in crime since the day they were born.
They added: “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without his mischievous smile and mischievous laugh. I can safely say he has inspired me to pursue my dreams and I think that is true for many of us in this room. Go and travel through space and time – just please don’t destroy the earth while you’re at it.”
Charley Thomas, a carer for Avenues East care team, said: “He knew me so well. He knew my favourite Harry Potter character, my favourite doctor and my favourite Marvel film because he cared about us as much as we cared about him. As a team we have so many wonderful memories of Will and we continue to reminisce about his antics.”
William’s mum Paula also shared her happy memories.
She said: “What can I tell you about him. He was such a loving chap. If he could hug and kiss he would. His hugs were lovely but his kisses often involved dribbles, licks and even teeth.
“He had no filter and he was brutally honest.”
She remembered how doctors told the family that he wouldn’t be able to talk or walk, and although his milestones were delayed, he took his first wobbly steps at Number 10 Downing Street.
And one birthday the family clubbed together to buy him an iPad with speech software and his first sentence on it was ‘God bless you cheeseburger.’
To William she said: “They say parenthood is a journey, with you it was like an extreme game of Forza mixed with Mario Kart. It was fast and furious at times.
“We lunged from crisis to crisis health wise. But William you taught us to love unconditionally, to enjoy the moment and try not to worry too much about the future.
“You taught us to laugh a lot. You taught us total acceptance – that children aren’t really versions of you. They’re unique and should be accepted as such.
“We miss you so much. We told you your TARDIS was ready and we’d cope without you. We will love you always and forever to infinity and beyond. Fly high our captain chaos.”
