Family lead hunt's tribute to Jack
The family of Jack Burgess will lead an emotional tribute to the 16-year-old when they attend the opening meet of Grafton Hunt tomorrow, just five days after he died from a gunshot wound.
Following lengthy discussions between the family and leaders of the hunt, Jack's parents will be among dozens of mourners at the meet near Towcester.
Chairman of Grafton Hunt, Lewis Garfield, said: "The meet will be going ahead as planned and both of Jack's parents will be there. We believe it is what he would have wanted.
"Jack had been with us since he was 10; it was his ambition to become a professional huntsman. We are all absolutely shocked."
Jack left Kingsbrook College, Deanshanger, in the summer and was one of only 15 teenagers across the country to be enrolled in a Learning and Skills Council funded two-year apprenticeship programme set up by the Master of Foxhounds Association.
He was working full-time at the kennels since leaving school and was among six staff who cared for the hunt's nine horses and 80 hounds.
Tim Bonner, spokesman for the Countryside Alliance, said: "Jack's death has come as a great shock and our thoughts are with his friends, family and the hunt.
"Jack was part of a scheme set up to get more young people into hunting. He was a keen supporter of the hunt over many years."
A police investigation has been launched into Jack's death and the results of a post mortem are due to be announced on Monday.
His father, Andrew Burgess, declined to comment at the family home in Paulerspury village, describing his son's death as a "tragic, tragic accident".
Three bouquets of flowers had been left as a tribute at the entrance to the kennels, with a hand-drawn poster from Jack's friends in the village reading "RIP little Jacky".
Officers from Northamptonshire Police were called to the hunt's Paulerspury headquarters at 2.45pm on Monday when members of the hunt found Jack's body.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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