Joe Thompson funeral hears he was 'beacon of hope'

Former footballer Joe Thompson has been described arsenic a "beacon of hope" astatine his funeral, wherever hundreds of radical gathered to wage their respects.

Thompson, who died past period aged 36, doubly recovered from crab during his playing career, which included much than 150 appearances for Rochdale AFC.

The work astatine St Marks Church successful Worsley, Greater Manchester was packed earlier arsenic mourners, including family, fans and erstwhile players gathered successful the sunshine to observe his life.

Reuben Thompson work a connection to the congregation from his precocious member Joe, who said helium was "a person of life, not a victim".

His household had invited everyone to be the funeral, wherever screens had been erected to broadcast the work extracurricular for those who could not get into the church.

Former Aston Villa and Man United striker Dion Dublin and Rochdale co-chairman Simon Gauge were among those to attend.

Pastor Sam Chanda told the congregation "Joe was known for his unthinkable kindness... not lone by his loved ones but [also by] strangers".

"He was much than conscionable an astonishing footballer. He was a beacon of anticipation who ever enactment those astir him first." helium added.

Joe Thompson's widow Chantelle said her precocious hubby was her "soulmate... my rock... and my everything".

"He was unbelievable with what helium went through," erstwhile Manchester United academy merchandise Danny Webber said of Joe Thompson.

"I was amended for knowing him."

Former Manchester City defender Keith Curle, who managed Joe astatine Carlisle United, said helium was a "wonderful quality being".

White doves were released astatine the extremity of the work arsenic Gabrielle's Dreams was played.

His 12-year-old girl Thailula said her precocious begetter had been "such a large relation exemplary for me"

"What a beingness we person had together," she said.