THE funeral of a Wirral fundraiser who organised events that raised thousands for charity is taking place today (Wednesday,  November 8).

Danny De Brabander passed away peacefully on October 9 with family at his side.

His funeral service will be held at 12pm today at Christ Church in Port Sunlight.

A cortege of funeral cars will pass through Claughton Village at 11.40am.

The 42-year-old from Birkenhead was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019. It spread to his liver and he was given months to live. He was told three times by doctors that the disease would kill him but remarkably Danny kept fighting and looked to have won his gruelling battle.

But after surviving two diagnoses, both of which gave him a short time left to live, Danny was once again told in April last year that the cancer had returned and that he had "about two years" left to live.

Determined to be positive, Danny co-founded #TeamDDB to support people, like himself, being treated for this devastating illness. The group's efforts have, so far, raised more than £130,000 for charity.

Confirming details of Danny's funeral arrangements, a message posted on Team.DDB's Facebook page read: "Funeral Service to be held at 12pm Christ Church Port Sunlight. Committal to be held at 1:30pm Landican Cemetery and Crematorium (close Family).

"Funeral Reception to be held at 2:30pm at Woodside Ferry Village (all welcome).

"(Family flowers only please, donations would be welcome for TeamDDB (donation box will be available)."

Paying tribute in a message posted on Team.DDB's Facebook page recently, Danny's family commented: "He fought to the very end, whilst still striving to remain positive and helping others, as he has always done.

"We are all heartbroken and will miss his big beautiful smile everyday.

"We know that Danny would have wanted us to thank everyone for all their love and support.

"He has left an incredible legacy that will continue on and will always be in our hearts forever xx"

Danny and #TeamDDB developed and took part in a number of fundraising events during 'lockdown' for the Critical Care department at WUTH, where he was cared for in 2019.

Fundraising activities included setting up a JustGiving page for donations, making a 'thank you to the NHS video', 5k runs done by many, #StayHomeShaveYourHead.

They have also helped raised nearly £6,000 for Wirral Foodbank to help "make a real difference'.

During a recent interview with Bowel Cancer UK, Danny explained why the fundraising was important. He said: "I am a firm believer in that we can't always control what happens to us in life, but we can control the way in which we respond, especially to adversity.

"That said, I have tried to turn my negative situation into a positive by helping others despite my own battles. We have setup a charity #TeamDDB to help support my local community and help other charities including Bowel Cancer UK.

"We have done many random acts of kindness, and made real progress in raising vital awareness for bowel cancer.

"It's truly been the sunshine that follows the rain for me.”

Dr Nikki Stevenson, executive medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "We would like to offer our deepest condolences to Danny’s family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"Danny’s tireless fundraising really meant a lot to our staff and patients.

"He will always be remembered for his great kindness and generosity.”