When Niki discovered she was expecting twins she began posting messages on a Twins List on the Internet. Her eloquent emails soon became a fixture that other users of the list looked forward to reading. These new friends followed Niki through her pregnancy and birth exchanging information and support. They witnessed, as we did, her friends and family, the joy and despair that followed in the months after Theo and Felix’s birth. On Monday, Danny set up a Book of Condolence where users of the List could express their sorrow at Theo’s death. In the 48 hours since they have received over 250 messages from all over the world.

I am going to read from just a few of them.

A selection of condolences where read out.

Those were just a tiny fraction of the out pouring of sorrow that Theo’s death has prompted. I think that one thing that we can learn from Theo’s short life is that, in these times that sometimes seem so cynical and even hostile, the reality is that we are surrounded by love if only we allow ourselves to see it and receive it. Theo, in his purity, brought that love out in everyone who came into contact with him. It was an honour to have known him, it was a privilege to watch his family respond to the traumas they have endured in the last few months with the grace that they have.

I hope the few messages I read gave you a clear idea of the impact this little boy had all over the world. From those of us close to him, who were lucky enough to hold him, to those in far-flung corners keeping in touch only through their computers.

And today, as we go through our sad task of burying sweet Theo his many, many friends in America are releasing helium balloons, with messages attached, that he might have something to play with in heaven.