{"id":474883,"date":"2026-03-24T15:57:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T15:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/?p=474883"},"modified":"2026-03-26T10:35:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T10:35:28","slug":"thousands-gather-on-aylesbury-estate-to-release-balloons-in-memory-of-16-year-old-junior-dean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/area\/walworth\/thousands-gather-on-aylesbury-estate-to-release-balloons-in-memory-of-16-year-old-junior-dean\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands gather on Aylesbury Estate to release balloons in memory of 16-year-old Junior Dean"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Thousands gathered on Walworth\u2019s Aylesbury Estate on Saturday night to release balloons in memory of a 16-year-old, who tragically passed away after a fire at his friend\u2019s home last week.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The night\u2019s sky on Saturday was filled with balloons as a whole community mourned the loss of the popular teenager, who was an extremely talented footballer and church goer.<\/p><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"69959\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"448384\" data-no-track=\"impressions\">PGRpdiBpZD0ic291dGgtMTMyNDY3MjcwIiBjbGFzcz0ic291dGgtb3V0YnJhaW4taW4tYXJ0aWNsZSBzb3V0aC1lbnRpdHktcGxhY2VtZW50Ij48ZGl2IGNsYXNzPSJPVVRCUkFJTiINCmRhdGEtb2ItY29udGVudFVybD0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zb3V0aHdhcmtuZXdzLmNvLnVrL2FyZWEvd2Fsd29ydGgvdGhvdXNhbmRzLWdhdGhlci1vbi1heWxlc2J1cnktZXN0YXRlLXRvLXJlbGVhc2UtYmFsbG9vbnMtaW4tbWVtb3J5LW9mLTE2LXllYXItb2xkLWp1bmlvci1kZWFuLyINCmRhdGEtd2lkZ2V0LWlkPSJBUl8yIg0KZGF0YS1vYi1pbnN0YWxsYXRpb24ta2V5PSJTT1VUSEFPNUtDRUs4R05CQk4xR1A3NlA5Ig0KPjwvZGl2Pg0KPHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiIGFzeW5jPSJhc3luYyINCnNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly93aWRnZXRzLm91dGJyYWluLmNvbS9vdXRicmFpbi5qcyI+PC9zY3JpcHQ+PC9kaXY+<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Tommy Ballay-Dean, who lived on the Aylesbury Estate and was better known as Junior Dean to his friends, died in the blaze on Wednesday last week (18 March) which tore through a first-floor flat on nearby Cooper\u2019s Road just off the Old Kent Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has been reported that it was home to Junior\u2019s friend Shauny Halsey, also aged 16. He is believed to have escaped the property before firefighters arrived and was taken to hospital, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Shauny is currently in an induced coma with life-threatening burns, according to a close family friend.<\/p><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"68153\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"448385\" data-no-track=\"impressions\">PGRpdiBpZD0ic291dGgtNDE2MDgwNzQ4NiIgY2xhc3M9InNvdXRoLWNvbnRlbnQgc291dGgtZW50aXR5LXBsYWNlbWVudCIgc3R5bGU9Im1hcmdpbi1sZWZ0OiBhdXRvO21hcmdpbi1yaWdodDogYXV0bzt0ZXh0LWFsaWduOiBjZW50ZXI7Ij48IS0tICAvMTU0NzI1MDcwLDIyNjk0MTk2OTY5L3NvdXRod2Fya25ld3Mvc291dGh3YXJrbmV3cyAtLT4NCjxkaXYgaWQ9ImRpdi1ncHQtYWQtMngxIj4NCjxzY3JpcHQ+DQpnb29nbGV0YWcuY21kLnB1c2goZnVuY3Rpb24oKSB7IGdvb2dsZXRhZy5kaXNwbGF5KCdkaXYtZ3B0LWFkLTJ4MScpOyB9KTsNCjwvc2NyaXB0Pg0KPC9kaXY+ICAgICAgICAgIDwvZGl2Pg==<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>There has been speculation that an electric bike allegedly burst into flames soon after the teenagers returned to Shauny\u2019s home from the shops. The cause of the fire is still being investigated by LFB and the Metropolitan Police, a spokesperson said. \u201cThe circumstances of the fire remain under investigation, although at this stage the incident is believed to be non-suspicious.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/f\/tommy-ballaydean-aka-jr-dean\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>online fundraiser<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0has been set up to support Junior\u2019s family with funeral costs. It described him as \u201cthe heart and soul of Southwark residents and a cherished member of the wider Southwark community\u201d.<\/p><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"71156\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"448386\" data-no-track=\"impressions\">PGRpdiBpZD0ic291dGgtMzA0NTgxNzQ3MCIgY2xhc3M9InNvdXRoLWluLWFydGljbGUtbXB1OSBzb3V0aC1lbnRpdHktcGxhY2VtZW50Ij48IS0tICAvMTU0NzI1MDcwLDIyNjk0MTk2OTY5L3NvdXRod2Fya25ld3Mvc291dGh3YXJrbmV3cyAtLT4NCjxkaXYgaWQ9ImRpdi1ncHQtYWQtbXB1OSI+DQo8c2NyaXB0Pg0KZ29vZ2xldGFnLmNtZC5wdXNoKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgeyBnb29nbGV0YWcuZGlzcGxheSgnZGl2LWdwdC1hZC1tcHU5Jyk7IH0pOw0KPC9zY3JpcHQ+DQo8L2Rpdj4gICAgIDwvZGl2Pg==<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>The teenager, a pupil at St Thomas the Apostle School in Nunhead, was described by those who knew him as \u201cloved\u201d and a \u201cshining light\u201d. Junior was a talented footballer, son and brother, whose loss will be felt right across the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"xqFQLnsd7UCAg\"><blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@riskit4fulus\/video\/7620022214439505174\" data-video-id=\"7620022214439505174\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@riskit4fulus\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@riskit4fulus?refer=embed\">@riskit4fulus<\/a> <p><a title=\"fyp\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/fyp?refer=embed\">#fyp<\/a> <a title=\"1babyjuu\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/1babyjuu?refer=embed\">#1babyjuu<\/a> all the mandem were out for you yesterday lil folks God got u in good hands ??<\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"? original sound - ?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7619796198899829526?refer=embed\">? original sound &#8211; ?<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"486\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.46.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-474928\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.46.jpeg 828w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.46-477x280.jpeg 477w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.46-768x451.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.46-249x146.jpeg 249w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.46-750x440.jpeg 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo supplied by Dean Stanhope \/ Southwark Residents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"373\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-373x560.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-474929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-373x560.jpeg 373w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-187x280.jpeg 187w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-768x1153.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-1023x1536.jpeg 1023w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-97x146.jpeg 97w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1-750x1126.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1.jpeg 1066w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo supplied by Dean Stanhope \/ Southwark Residents<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/f\/support-shauny-his-family-after-tragic-south-london-fire?attribution_id=sl:50ab76e9-ae2b-47ba-8fbd-17534572954b&amp;lang=en_GB&amp;ts=1774008185&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp20_control&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=whatsapp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fundraiser<\/a> has also been set up to support Shauny\u2019s family, who have been left homeless by the fire and are currently living out of a hotel room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTheir flat was completely destroyed, and they have lost their home, their belongings, their clothes,\u201d states the GoFundMe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Saturday evening (21 March) crowds gathered on the Aylesbury Estate to release balloons into the sky in memory of 16-year-old Junior.<\/p><script type=\"text\/plain\" data-tcf=\"waiting-for-consent\" data-id=\"71157\" data-bid=\"1\" data-placement=\"448387\" data-no-track=\"impressions\">PGRpdiBpZD0ic291dGgtMTQ0NDA1NjM5NyIgY2xhc3M9InNvdXRoLWluLWFydGljbGUtbXB1LTEwIHNvdXRoLWVudGl0eS1wbGFjZW1lbnQiPjwhLS0gIC8xNTQ3MjUwNzAsMjI2OTQxOTY5Njkvc291dGh3YXJrbmV3cy9zb3V0aHdhcmtuZXdzIC0tPg0KPGRpdiBpZD0iZGl2LWdwdC1hZC1tcHUxMCI+DQo8c2NyaXB0Pg0KZ29vZ2xldGFnLmNtZC5wdXNoKGZ1bmN0aW9uKCkgeyBnb29nbGV0YWcuZGlzcGxheSgnZGl2LWdwdC1hZC1tcHUxMCcpOyB9KTsNCjwvc2NyaXB0Pg0KPC9kaXY+ICAgICA8L2Rpdj4=<\/script>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video height=\"480\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 848 \/ 480;\" width=\"848\" controls src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Video-2026-03-22-at-07.06.44.mp4\"><\/video><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Dozens of heartbroken social media users commented \u2018LLJ\u2019 beneath TikToks capturing the moving tribute &#8211; Long Live Junior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tributes have been pouring in for Junior, an active member of Southwark Residents Football Club and Mass Elite Academy. He had previously played for Rotherhithe under-16s Academy Blaise Ballers and the Whitestar Academy, as well as Rotherhithe FC and Blue Star Elite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But apart from being a soaring success on the pitch, Junior was a devoted member of RPF Youth from the Redeemed Pillar of Fire church, based in Camberwell and Archway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One member of the congregation said: \u201cHe had such a laughable presence and always made those around him feel welcome. He was a true blessing upon everybody\u2019s life and mine too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A member of the youth church told us: \u201cHe always had such great energy and brought all the vibes, you could say that he was the light of the dark room. He made everyone\u2019s day better with just a smile.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"sDeHv75i9dMQk6nRdyiEWJ5C6DjzFgKAPS2BIlhU8Zx4LxqzOfNcYpObtq3uNC7AIuKorXVmGjPSkoaYf1Qsb9VJgFaBrEv4\"><blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hillaryziyahh.x\/video\/7619817210596298006\" data-video-id=\"7619817210596298006\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@hillaryziyahh.x\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@hillaryziyahh.x?refer=embed\">@hillaryziyahh.x<\/a> <p>JUNIOR BOBO??<a title=\"llj\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/llj?refer=embed\">#LLJ<\/a> <\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"? original sound - HZiyah?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7619817222625708822?refer=embed\">? original sound &#8211; HZiyah?<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-841x560.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-474931\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.5017997153938447;width:841px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-841x560.jpeg 841w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-420x280.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-219x146.jpeg 219w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1320x879.jpeg 1320w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-750x500.jpeg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47-1140x760.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-03-20-at-09.11.47.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Junior (third from left) and his Southwark Residents teammates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dean Stanhope, who runs Southwark Residents Football Club, and was behind setting up the GoFundMe page to support Junior\u2019s family with funeral costs, added: \u201cHe was the clown of the group &#8211; always joking, always messing around, but he was so loved. You wouldn\u2019t change him for anything, he could light up a room. He made a huge impact on the club, and he\u2019ll never be forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His former coach from SL90 Football Foundation, said he \u201cknew (Junior) was destined for something special, whether it was football or anything else he chose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Junior played for the last time with SL90 on 14 March, a moment Coach Shelley says \u201cmeans everything to us now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Frankie Collins, manager at Rotherhithe FC, said: \u201cHe was full of energy and charisma and we loved every minute he spent at the club. He left his mark on every one of his coaches, team mates and even spectators who got the pleasure to watch him play. He lit up the changing room with his energy and character and determination to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Junior\u2019s footballing achievements included earning a Gillingham Under-15s showcase trial, as well as winning Rotherhithe FC\u2019s top scorer and goal of the season awards last year.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"445\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers-445x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475083\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers-445x560.jpg 445w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers-222x280.jpg 222w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers-768x967.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers-116x146.jpg 116w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers-750x944.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-playing-for-Blase-Ballers.jpg 944w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Junior Dean&#8217;s grief-stricken family have shared  photos of him <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"373\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-373x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475082\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-373x560.jpg 373w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-187x280.jpg 187w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-1023x1536.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-97x146.jpg 97w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside-750x1126.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-outside.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"643\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car-643x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475081\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car-643x560.jpg 643w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car-322x280.jpg 322w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car-768x669.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car-168x146.jpg 168w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car-750x653.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-in-car.jpg 1128w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 643px) 100vw, 643px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"354\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-354x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-354x560.jpg 354w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-177x280.jpg 177w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-768x1214.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-92x146.jpg 92w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-750x1185.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer.jpg 944w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 354px) 100vw, 354px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase-469x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475079\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase-469x560.jpg 469w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase-235x280.jpg 235w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase-768x917.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase-122x146.jpg 122w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase-750x895.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-Southwark-Showcase.jpg 944w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"426\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1-426x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475077\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1-426x560.jpg 426w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1-213x280.jpg 213w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1-768x1009.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1-111x146.jpg 111w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1-750x985.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-footballer-1.jpg 944w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 426px) 100vw, 426px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-primary-school.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475076\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-primary-school.jpg 600w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-primary-school-373x280.jpg 373w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-primary-school-195x146.jpg 195w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"258\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-258x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475075\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-258x560.jpg 258w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-129x280.jpg 129w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-768x1666.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-708x1536.jpg 708w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-67x146.jpg 67w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince-750x1627.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-my-prince.jpg 944w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 258px) 100vw, 258px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"441\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2-441x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2-441x560.jpg 441w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2-221x280.jpg 221w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2-768x974.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2-115x146.jpg 115w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2-750x952.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-2.jpg 908w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 441px) 100vw, 441px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"258\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-258x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-258x560.jpg 258w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-129x280.jpg 129w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-768x1670.jpg 768w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-707x1536.jpg 707w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-67x146.jpg 67w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1-750x1631.jpg 750w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Junior-at-church-1.jpg 942w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 258px) 100vw, 258px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"554\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/baby-junior-554x560.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-475072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/baby-junior-554x560.jpg 554w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/baby-junior-277x280.jpg 277w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/baby-junior-144x146.jpg 144w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/baby-junior-75x75.jpg 75w, https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/baby-junior.jpg 574w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Grassroots teams across South London are playing matches in Junior\u2019s memory and his friends have taken to social media with the symbol \u2018LLDJ\u2019, standing for \u2018Long Live Junior Dean\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rotherhithe FC will play a fundraiser match against local side Millwall Man v Fat on 5 April at St Paul\u2019s Sports Ground, off Salter Road, with a 3:30pm kick-off, to raise money for the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grassroots football teams across the area were also invited to observe a minute\u2019s silence in his honour last weekend (21 and 22 March). His clubs, Southwark Residents and Mass Elite, held a two-minute silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SL90 Football Foundation are hosting a tournament in collaboration with Quadrant Performance Academy and Active Communities Network on 11 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The GoFundMe, launched by his former coach, has reached nearly \u00a342,000 of the \u00a355,000 goal so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Donate to the GoFundMe here (all proceeds are going to Junior&#8217;s family): <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/f\/tommy-ballaydean-aka-jr-dean\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.gofundme.com\/f\/tommy-ballaydean-aka-jr-dean<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thousands gathered on Walworth\u2019s Aylesbury Estate on Saturday night to release balloons in memory of a 16-year-old, who tragically passed away after a fire at his friend\u2019s home last week. The night\u2019s sky on Saturday was filled with balloons as a whole community mourned the loss of the popular teenager, who was an extremely talented [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19233,"featured_media":475078,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"format":"standard","override":[{"template":"1","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"right-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"top","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","show_post_reading_time":"0","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","post_calculate_word_method":"str_word_count","show_zoom_button":"0","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_prev_next_post":"1","show_popup_post":"1","show_comment_section":"1","number_popup_post":"1","show_author_box":"1","show_inline_post_related":"1"}],"image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","disable_ad":"0","subtitle":"The teenager and his friend were caught up in a tragic fire last week"},"jnews_primary_category":{"id":"43"},"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":{"view_counter_number":"0","share_counter_number":"0","like_counter_number":"0","dislike_counter_number":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[7375,13539,13602,17333,8341,43],"tags":[44,378,5398],"class_list":["post-474883","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-community","category-featured","category-news","category-obituaries","category-southwark","category-walworth","tag-aylesbury","tag-fire","tag-tribute"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/474883","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=474883"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/474883\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":475350,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/474883\/revisions\/475350"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/475078"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=474883"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=474883"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southwarknews.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=474883"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}