SCHOOLFRIENDS united in their grief gathered to pay tribute and share memories of a young man who was always laughing.

A memorial service, organised by friends, was held at Adam Kelly’s former school, Mount St Joseph in Farnworth.

Mr Kelly, died at the age of 24 on January 5, three years after being diagnosed with Wegener’s granulomatosis, a rare condition affecting different organs and systems in the body.

About 30 young people and teachers attended the service, where friends gave readings, and there were tears and laughter as friends shared their memories of Mr Kelly, who was described as having a “zest for life”.

Katie Smith, aged 24, organised the service. She said: “It was an emotional service. It is still quite raw for us all but I think the memorial service helped.” His best friend, Nicola Morgan, attended and said: “It was a way for his friends to say goodbye.” Friends also lit 24 lanterns in Adam’s memory at the end of the service.

Miss Smith said: “I remember Adam was always laughing.

“He was a well thought-of person and deserving of such a tribute.”

Mr Kelly’s condition had caused kidney failure, and his mother, Janette Lawson, gave him a life-saving donation in September, 2011.

Despite bouncing back from the operation, he went into hospital with an infection last July and died surrounded by his family.

After leaving high school, Mr Kelly, from Farnworth, attended Pendleton College, where he studied art and later discovered a love for New York after visiting the city with friends. Mr Kelly’s funeral was held at Overdale West Chapel. Two of his favourite songs, Pink’s Who Knew and Flo Rida’s Club Can’t Handle Me, were played at the service.

He leaves his parents John and Janette, siblings Cathryn, aged 28, Stephen, aged 26, Jordan, aged 12, and Brandon, aged nine.