Packed funeral for Rochdale FC legend Joe Thompson who bravely faced cancer three times
Mourners have packed a church for the funeral of Rochdale FC legend Joe Thompson, who died after revealing he had cancer for the third time.Joe died on 17 April after being diagnosed with Stage Four lymphoma, which had spread to his lungs.
At least 400 people were inside St Mark's Church in Worsley, Salford, and about 200 more stood in the grounds to watch the service and highlights from Joe's career on screens.His coffin arrived, bearing a display of flowers reading 'Daddy', from his two daughters. It was carried into the church to the sounds of Take Me Home by Jess Glynne.
White doves were released from white baskets - the first by Joe's widow Chantelle - followed by a spontaneous round of applause.
During the service, Lula, Joe's 12 year old daughter, spoke during the service of their special bond: "It's your time to have the rest you deserve now," she said.
"Thank you so much for being my best friend and you always will be for eternity you will be watching over s every single day and I know what a magical place you are in now."Fighting back tears, Chantelle Thompson said he was "soulmate... my rock... and my everything".
She added: "I don't know who I am without him."
Former team-mate Ryan Lowe said before the service: "You only have to look at the turnout...they want to celebrate his life in style because he was a brilliant character, fantastic guy, unbelievable person and yeah, he'll be sadly missed.
"But, as they'll do, they'll give him a good send-off...yeah, it's been a sad moment all round."Jim McNulty, the current Rochdale manager, said: "Joe was everything; he was our ultimate team mate and will remain so. Joe stood for all the principles through life and through his fight in life and how he converted his fight to happiness and enjoying the journey."
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