Funeral will '˜celebrate the life' of Joe-Joe Higgins

Joe-Joe Higgins and his family (Photograph issued by Sussex Police) SUS-180829-155300001

Twenty-year-old Joseph Higgins, known as Joe-Joe, died on Sunday, August 26.

His family, mum Chris, dad Tom and sister Ellen, released the following statement: “We are celebrating his life on Thursday, September, 13 with a church service at 2.30pm at St. Thomas More RC Church, 151 Carden Ave, Brighton, BN1 8LA, followed by a cremation at 4pm at The Downs, Bear Road, Brighton, BN2 3PL.

“We would love you all to join us for a celebration of Joe-Joe’s life at Hollingbury Park Golf Club after the service in Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 7HS.

“Everyone is welcome, and there is no dress code, so please come as you feel comfortable.

“Family flowers only, but donations to Brake if desired. There will be collection boxes at the wake to support this charity that is already supporting Joe-Joe’s family through this hard time.

“If anyone has one or two favourite photos of Joe-Joe and their memories shared, please print and bring them along to the wake. Writing a comment and a name will help us build a beautiful memory box for our boy.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for their love, support and prayers at this heart-breaking time.”

Joe-Joe, of Craignair Avenue, Brighton, was driving a black Volkswagen Golf north on the B2112 Common Lane when it left the carriageway and collided with a tree at about 11.10pm on Sunday, August 26.

Sussex Police said despite the best efforts of passers-by and the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family issued the following tribute to him: “Joe-Joe lived his life to the full. He had a passion for cars and always dreamed of buying a Volkswagen Mk1 Caddy. He also had a love for the outdoors – he was in the Scouts until he was 18 and he was in the process of obtaining his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, and he had plans to explore Europe by Interrail.

“Our boy was a fully qualified carpenter, and he loved his profession, as well as all his colleagues old and new. He had the world at his feet.

“He had aspirations to be a dad and to play with his favourite toys from his childhood with his kids. He also wanted to find someone he loved and to love them fiercely forever.

“With a huge heart and a great laugh, Joe-Joe loved everyone he met, and they adored him. His amazing sense of humour and lovable nature was what everyone needed in their life. Joe-Joe loved not only his family but all of his friends too.”