In a heartbreaing tribute to her late husband, Lissie Harper today told Christ Church cathedral that PC Andrew Harper was a ‘kind brave and lovely man’, calling the fallen policeman her ‘protector’.
PC Harper, 28, died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van while responding to a burglary, in a shocking incident in August for which two 17-year-olds and an 18-year-old have been charged with murder. He had married his childhood sweetheart only four weeks earlier.
Today in Oxford Lissie Harper told mourners: ‘From the ever sweet, lanky, red faced boy passing me notes in class, to the strong and loyal man you grew to be. I have always known how special you are.’
She went on: ‘ We often talked about how lucky we were to have found and kept each other, true childhood sweethearts, loving one another more and more with each passing day. Not a day went past that we didn’t say I love you.’
She described her late husband as ‘unfailingly kind, a gentle giant with a heart of gold’ saying he wore his uniform ‘with pride’ and ‘vowed to challenge the bad and celebrate the good’.
In a heartbreaing tribute to her late husband, Lissie Harper today told Christ Church Cathedral that PC Andrew Harper was a ‘kind brave and lovely man’, calling the fallen policeman her ‘protector’
Tearful fellow officers and grieving family members today laid to rest PC Andrew Harper, following a procession in whicyh the streets of Oxford were lined with police and the public today for his funeral.
During the procession, officers were spotted wiping tears from their eyes as the coffin of the 28-year-old made its way past.
Inside the magnificent church, members of PC Harper’s family laid symbols of his life in front of a large photo of him as part of the service, including a Mr Men mug, a box of eggs and a jar of Nutella. His wife Lissie, whom he married just four weeks before his death, gave a moving tribute.
As his funeral service began, PC Andrew Harper’s coffin (pictured) was placed in the centre of Oxford’s Christ Church cathedral, covered in the flag with the police crest on the sides
Police pallbearers carried the coffin out of Christ Church Cathedral in cetral Oxford today after a moving service
The guard of honour bow at the funeral of PC Andrew Harper, the Thames Valley Police officer who died from multiple injuries after being dragged under a van while responding to reports of a burglary
Today at the service Thames Valley Police Chief Constable, John Campbell (left) read a poem and Thames Valley Police Constable Jordan Johnstone (right) paid tribute to his friend PC Andrew Harper,
During the funeral the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral addressed the congregation to say: ‘Andrew’s completely unexpected, sudden and tragic death reminds us of the routine risks that police officers take each day.
‘No-one ever anticipates an ordinary call-out ending in such tragedy.’
Dr Percy added: ‘Perhaps through the TV series, we are pretty familiar with ‘the thin blue line’. Traditionally, it refers to our police, who stand between law and order, and social and civil anarchy; between chaos and order; or between criminals and the potential victims of crime.
‘Yet this same line does not cut through our society; it does not divide us. Rather, we cherish our thin blue line because it surrounds us all and is woven amongst us, giving us that important sense of safekeeping.
‘Today we remember and give thanks for PC Andrew Harper: Part of that thin blue line that holds and binds our communities together. And one, that though strained and tested in times of tragedy like this, remains unbroken. And now stretches yet to Andrew, whom we still cherish, yet see no longer.’
PC Harper’s wife Lissie and his brother Sean were among 800 mourners at the a private funeral at Christ Church cathedral in Oxford on Monday.
The service followed a procession through the city, led by mounted officers of Thames Valley Police and watched by members of the public gathered outside the church.
Uniformed police officers lined the streets of the city along the route of the procession today, which was flanked by hundreds of members of the public.
In advance of the funeral the 15-minute procession of the coffin, followed by close family, was led by mounted officers of Thames Valley Police.
PC Harper’s coffin was draped in a navy flag with a police crest on the side and was carried into the cathedral by six police officers in full uniform.
As the service began, PC Harper’s coffin was placed in the centre of the large cathedral, covered in the flag with the police crest on the sides.
The Thames Valley Police insignia, which incorporates the royal coat of arms, could be seen on the flag draped over the coffin
Earlier in the day some officers were glimpsed wiping tears from their cheeks as they lined the funeral route in Oxford
Afterwards, the coffin was carried in by six uniformed officers, Mrs Harper placed her late husband’s ceremonial police hat on his coffin for the duration of the service.
Technically the affair was a private funeral, but police said the public could ‘pay their respects along the processional route’. The family requested that no flowers are brought to the cathedral or to the procession.
Craig O’Leary, chairman of Thames Valley Police Federation, said PC Harper was a ‘hero’, who was loved by his family, friends and colleagues.
The 15-minute procession of the coffin, followed by close family, was led by mounted officers of Thames Valley Police
Members of the public joined police officers and clergy at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford for the young officer’s funeral
Decorated with a floral display the coffin of PC Andrew Harper arrives at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, for his funeral
In the Oxford procession police on horseback and a flag bearer walked ahead of the hearse and the funeral cortege
As the service began, Pc Harper’s coffin was placed in the centre of the large cathedral, covered in the flag with the police crest on the sides
Andrew Harper, who died while responding to reports of a burglary and who was described as a ‘hero’ ahead of the day’s memorial service
Act of kindness: a member of the public was spotted seemingly giving a tissue to a visibly upset officer during the procession
Fellow officers were overcome with emotion as the young man’s coffin made its way towards the city’s cathedral
Andrew Harper’s colleagues looked shaken today at his funeral: a male officer looks grim-faced, left, while, right, a female officer is pictures wiping away a tear
In a statement, Mr O’Leary said: ‘PC Andrew Harper loved being a police officer. It is our sad duty today to pay our last respects to him and support his wife Lissie, his family and his friends at his funeral.
‘This has really hit us all hard and shocked everyone in the whole police service.’
Thames Valley Police lead chaplain Reverend Helen Arnold opened the service, attended by officers from Pc Harper’s force and neighbouring units.
Members of other emergency services also paid their respects at the service which was broadcast to a second overspill church.
After Mrs Harper paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, songs by Shirley Bassey and Russell Watson were played during the service, in addition to performances from the cathedral’s choir.
After losing the partner she met in school when he passed her notes in class, today Lissie Harper delivered one final love letter to her ‘kind, brave, lovely protector’
Today I would like to remember and honour the kind brave and lovely man we all know. We are all here just for you.
Andrew.
From the ever sweet, lanky, red faced boy passing me notes in class, to the strong and loyal man you grew to be. I have always known how special you are. We often talked about how lucky we were to have found and kept each other, true childhood sweethearts, loving one another more and more with each passing day. Not a day went past that we didn’t say I love you.
You used to tell me we were a team and that we would get through all of life’s hurdles together, how I wish you were here with me now. The hardest challenge of all is losing you.
We managed to pack so many amazing memories into the last 13 years, travelling the world, buying a house and getting married. You had a contagious love for life, filling each day with laughter and appreciating all the little things.
You have always been a protector. Whether in your role of big brother, fierce friend, loving husband or keeper of peace among the public, keeping everyone safe was your priority, not only in your job but your family too. Everything was always okay when you were around.
Although Andrew was strong he was also unfailingly kind, a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He wore his uniform with pride and vowed to challenge the bad and celebrate the good.
He loved to be part of a team and had a work ethic to admire. Looking around me today I know that he was classed so very highly among his peers, known for being proactive, kind and fair.
Aside from the police however, Andrew treasured his family above all else, a country boy who loved the outdoors, picnics, bbqs and walking. We took many trips to Cornwall and Andrew was so at peace there, walking on the beach, Cornish pasties and fish and chips, it all made him so happy. This in fact was the last trip we took together after our wedding. I didn’t realise at the time how precious those memories would become.
To many of you Andrew was a lovely little part of your lives or even just someone who was always there on the periphery of life. However to me Andrew was everything, my breakfast buddy, my dancing partner, the love of my life. He could fix anything and kept everything, pen lids, Tupperware, countless keys with no home, screws, holey socks and broken bits to glue back together. He was an adventurer, food lover, board game competitor, he miss-pronounced words and always fell asleep during film nights. He loved nights in and laying by the fire, or finding a new road to wander and discover.
He was always ready for the next adventure, never one to be deterred by anything, a positive force of nature. I will treasure every moment we had together from, sky-diving, bungee jumping, mountain climbing and white water rafting, to walking on beaches, collecting sea glass, cheeky takeaways and lazy mornings. We should have had so many more of these days together, for you Andrew above all deserved a lifetime of happiness.
Andrew was so many things to many of us, husband, best friend, brother, son, uncle, nephew and colleague. The kindest of kind and sweetest of sweet
He could cheer me up when I was down just by pulling a silly face or making a joke. I could never stay mad at him for long because he made me laugh in the middle of an argument. Oh how I hated that.
I’ve never known anyone so kind, worry free, forgiving, positive and good as our Andrew,
An animal rescuer, he could often be found laying on a rug with the family dog and even taking many creatures to Tiggywinkles Animal Rescue. If there was an animal in need you always seemed to come across it, hedgehogs, deer and even birds had been known to take a trip in the car with Andrew. A true friend to all.
If there’s one thing Andrew taught me it was to not sweat the small stuff and to treasure each day as if it is a gift. Every time I feel down and without hope I can hear his kind words in my ear telling me to keep going, Find laughter, seek happiness. Forever more I will live each day for you Andrew, every moment of joy, peace, and love I promise to think of my husband and feel lucky to have known him as much as I did, more than anyone. He was my hero and his spirit will live on in my memories forever.
My lovely boy, I miss you more and more as the days pass into weeks, my love for you will never fade, the sound of your laugh will stay with me. Your beautiful smile and warm embrace will fill my dreams and comfort me as you always have.
A good friend said to me recently that they will never again complain about growing older, every year on this planet is a privilege, every grey hair a blessing, as not all of us will have the honour of getting old. More than anything I wish that my most favourite person had not been taken so early, so cruelly, so unexpectedly. “I wish” is a thought that no one should have to think! We should all get the chance to reach the true end of our lives, so for Andrew I only hope that we will live every day, every moment, as if it is our last. No more “I wish”, only “I’m glad”.
If everyone on this earth had just an ounce of the kindness and generosity that Andrew had, I know that it would be a better place.
Andrew loved movies. We spent many nights in together with our favourite films and snacks. So I tried to find something appropriate to say from one of his favourites. Unfortunately Andrew, the Matrix or Dumb and Dumber didn’t quite seem the right fit for this beautiful place, but perhaps this one will.
Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He is Dead, Put crépe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.
He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song, I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong
The stars are not wanted now, put out every one; Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. For nothing now can ever come to any good.
Mounted police rode down a central Oxford street this morning for the funeral of PC Andrew Harper as members of the public lined the streets to pay their respects
Officers lined the route as the funeral cortege moved through the streets making its way to Christ Church Cathedral in St Aldate’s
Members of PC Harper’s family laid symbols of his life in front of a large photo of him as part of the service, including a Mr Men mug, a box of eggs and a jar of Nutella.
The Dean of Christ Church cathedral, the Very Reverend Professor Martyn Percy, commemorated a ‘kind, brave, strong and loyal man’.
He said: ‘Some might say he was an ordinary man with an ordinary job. I do not agree.
‘He represented policing at its best. He was everything you wanted in a police officer. Authentic, brave, genuine, and kind.’
PC Harper’s badge and hat could be glimpsed through the window of the hearse as it moved slowly through the streets
A clearly upset officer was glimpsed wiping away a tear today during the funeral of PC Andrew Harper who was killed while investigating a burglary in August
PC Harper’s family has asked for any donations to be made to the Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital on Aston Road, Haddenham, or the Blue Cross re-homing centre on London Road, Lewknor
The dean referenced the outpouring of tributes for Pc Harper including the flags flown at half mast across the Thames Valley area on Monday, in addition to other memorials including a bike ride in his honour.
He continued: ‘Such tributes are treasure for a treasured man but they do not take away the pain of our grief and the pain of our loss.
‘Today we mourn an exceptional man who died in the line of duty and even as we do we give thanks to each and every one here and watching.
‘They selflessly serve our society, the thin blue line which runs through our community.
‘They continue to inspire us just as Andrew does.’
The hour-long service was blessed by the Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft and was followed by a wake attended by PC Harper’s close family.
Monday’s memorial was attended by PC Harper’s parents Phil and Debbie, his brother Sean as well as Mrs Harper and his extended family.
Home Secretary Priti Patel also attended the service.
Mourners arrive at Christ Church Cathedral in St Aldate’s, Oxford for the funeral of PC Andrew Harper, the Thames Valley Police officer who died while responding to reports of a burglary.
Uniformed officers were photographed arriving in the quadrangle at Christ Church Cathedral in St Aldate’s, Oxford
Members of the public line the streets of Oxford to pay their respects ahead of the funeral service for PC Andrew Harper
PC Andrew Harper married his wife Lissie just four weeks before his death at the age of 28 in August
The hour-long service was blessed by the Bishop of Oxford Steven Croft and was followed by a wake attended by PC Harper’s close family.
PC Harper’s family has asked for any donations to be made to the Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital on Aston Road, Haddenham, or the Blue Cross re-homing centre on London Road, Lewknor.
Meanwhile, thousands of people have signed up to take part in a ‘ride of respect’ in PC Harper’s memory on October 27.
The motorcycle event is due to set off from RAF Benson to Abingdon Airfield in Oxfordshire.
Organiser Sian Sloper, from Caversham, said 2,240 people had registered to take part so far.
Pc Harper had been married to his partner Lissie for just four weeks when he died.
She described him as ‘the kindest, loveliest, most selfless’ person.
Henry Long, 18, from Mortimer in Reading, and two 17-year-old boys, who cannot be named because of their age, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
Thomas King, 21, from Basingstoke, is also accused of conspiracy to steal a quad bike.
Jed Foster, 20, was also accused of PC Harper’s murder, but prosecutors dropped the charges against him as there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
