MOURNERS broke into applause during the funeral of a Wirral fundraiser who helped raised thousands for charity.
Danny De Brabander passed away peacefully on October 9 with family at his side.
His funeral service was held at a packed Christ Church in Port Sunlight today (Wednesday, November 8). A cortege of funeral cars had passed through his home town of Claughton Village shortly before the service.
He was described during the service as a "funny, loving, inspirational man who was dearly loved".
The 42-year-old 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.
There were two poems 'The Dash', about the period between our birth and death, and 'Look For Me In Rainbows'.
One of Danny's many friends, Andy, read out a tribute to the 'loving, shy young boy with an infectious smile and big dimples' on behalf of his family.
It read: "He loved his family dearly and from a very young age, brought joy and happiness to their lives.
"He had a special bond with brother Simon. They created many happy family memories.
"He also loved his friends and had lots of these. They were all special, in their own individual way. He was also blessed with loving cousins.
"His dad worked in a local youth club. Seeing his dad's work in the community affected Danny in a positive way."
Andy continued: "His first job was in Norwich Union Insurance, which is where I first met him. I was 16, he was a little bit older than me, but I found within 10 minutes that we had a lot in common.
"Family was everything to Danny. Checking in on his mum and dad and shouting 'put the kettle on mum' as soon as he walked through the door.
"With his brother Simon, he had a lot of common interests; going to concerts and festivals together and travelling all over to see Oasis.
"When Simon started a family with Claire, Danny became the best uncle."
Danny was also a baton-bearer for the Commonweath Games.
"In 2019, Danny's life changed forever. however he faced the challenge of his illness with unwavering courage and determination.
"His diagnosis didn't deter Danny, it fuelled a determination and inspiration. He wanted to turn a negative into a positive."
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'.
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