Holy Trinity Dinting Church was packed as family, friends and army colleagues joined together to remember 18-year-old Josh Kennington.  

The impact the young soldier he had on so many people was illustrated by the personal and heartfelt tributes paid to him during the moving funeral service held on Thursday (15 December). 

He was described as being fearless and although he had already packed a lot into his life had so many plans for the future. 

Personal tributes from his parents Simon and Debbie, and brothers Tom and Jake were read to the congregation.  

Many of his friends also paid tribute to a ‘larger than life’ character who would go out of his way to help others, support them during difficult times and said that nothing was too much trouble. 

In recognition of his role as a soldier Private Kennington was given a military funeral with a guard of honour outside the church. 

Following the funeral service at the church mourners travelled to Glossop Cemetery where there was a gun salute, and the last post was played. 

Josh, who had always wanted to join the army, became a cadet at 12 before joined the army in October 2020. 

He was first stationed at Harrogate before going on to Leconfield in September 2021 to carry out his driver training before joining the Royal Logistics Corps based at the Catterick Garrison in February, 

Josh died in hospital in Darlington on 24 November six days after collapsing following a routine training exercise. 

Donations in Josh’s memory will go to support the Help For Heroes charity. Anyone wanting to donate can do so directly through the charity’s website or c/o Arthur Worsley Funeral Services. 

Images by Nigel Wood

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