More than 2,000 people, including the entire England Rugby League World Cup squad, paid their respects to Steve Prescott at the Hull FC legend's funeral. Steve, who had been battling a rare form of stomach cancer, died just over a week ago, aged 39.
The dad-of-two was given just months to live in when he was diagnosed in 2006 but courageously fought the disease for seven years. He was renowned for completing gruelling charity challenges and raised nearly £500,000.
A requiem mass was today held at St Mary's Lowe House Church, in his home town of St Helens. As people gathered, the church bells rang out Abide With Me. Some mourners came to pay their respects in St Helen's rugby shirts and scarves - the club he played for before joining Hull FC.
Many people lined the streets outside the church as mourners slowly filed in. They broke into spontaneous applause at the arrival of the hearse, followed by Prescott's widow Linzi and sons Taylor, 12, and Koby, 5.
Steve's coffin was carried in by pallbearers including former Hull FC teammate Shaun Briscoe. The service was broadcast to hundreds who braved the rain to line the streets outside the church.
Mourners were moved by a eulogy from Taylor, who said: "I'd like to say how proud I am of what my dad has achieved. I have got lots of great memories of the times we have had together. I will remember them forever.
"When I was five and my dad first became ill, I made him a promise to always do my best and to follow my dream of being a sportsman. I hope I can make him as proud of me as I am of him. Me and Koby will miss him but we will love him forever."
Among the mourners were England coach Steve McNamara, Black and Whites star Richard Horne and Pete Stephenson, the former West Hull and Dockers player whose rehabilitation from a broken neck was supported by Steve.
The Mass was followed by a private committal at St Helens Crematorium.
