Hundreds say goodbye to inspirational brain tumour fighter Steve White

That is how Steve White was remembered as hundreds of mourners packed out St Julie's Church today to celebrate the life of the inspirational brain tumour fighter.

Steve, from Eccleston, died aged 46 earlier this month after a long battle.

He had suffered from an aggressive tumour glioblastoma multiforme wild-type.

Steve did not realise he was living with the life limiting condition until he suffered seizures while away celebrating his 16th wedding anniversary with his wife Katheryn in 2017.

Fundraising efforts, which included Steve and friends cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats, raised more than £100,000 for him to have treatment abroad to prolong his life.

However, in the early hours of Thursday, October 3, Steve died in Willowbrook Hospice.

Today, October 22, his wife and two sons, Joe, 16, and Sam, eight, were joined by other family, friends and mourners to celebrate the life of the man known to many as 'Whitey' who fought so hard to prolong his life following his diagnosis.

Eulogies were read out by brother-in-law Lee Turner and Mike Denning, chairman of the Steve Prescott Foundation.

He was quoted as always being at "the centre of things, with a larger than life presence" and being "a proud family man who loved to help others".

Lee added: "Steve's passing has left a gap that cannot and never will be filled, but we owe it to his memory to mirror his attitude to life and do our very best to live life to the full.

"Steve White, what a man. Totally irreplaceable."

The pair shared anecdotes from Steve's friends. The stories were met with tears of laughter, remembering a man who truly gave his all and whose battle with his brain tumour inspired so many to keep fighting.

Floral tributes included a bike made from flowers – a symbol of Steve's passion for cycling that saw him take on lung-busting rides while ill. Poignantly, his cycling helmet rested on the coffin as the congregation filed out of church.

Mourners then continued on to St Helens Crematorium.

Meanwhile, people have also been paying tribute to Steve online.

Former Emmerdale actor Mike Parr, who grew up on Hard Lane, took to Instagram to say: "Goodnight and god bless, Steve. It was a huge honour and privilege to know you.

"You really were an inspiration. Take care mate."

The Steve Prescott Foundation said: "Today we say goodbye to our brother Steve White.

"Three and a half years he battled against Giloblastoma and boy did he give it a fight, no man could have tackled it any more.

"It still does not seem real that Whitey is not with us, he was simply a beautiful man who could not be replaced.

"His work for the SPF was unheralded, he did not do things for glory just to help those less fortunate and support his best mate.

"You like Precky will not be forgotten Whitey.

"We will support your amazing family, who have been so strong throughout your illness.

"God bless you Whitey you will be with Precky now. Looking down on us giving us strength to carry on helping those less fortunate and making a difference.

"Love you always and forever brother xxx."

Any donations can be passed to Dooleys Nutgrove anytime or made to Stephen's fundraising account.

All donations will then be split between; The Brain Tumour Charity, The Walton Centre and Willowbrook Hospice.