Mourners, many of them dressed in blue, line the path into St Michael's Church as Stu Ridley's coffin is carried past. Photo: T301558
HUNDREDS of people have turned out for the funeral of Stu Ridley, the North Tyne farmer and rugby player who lost his battle with cancer a week ago.
Crowds of mourners gathered at St Michael's Church in his home village of Wark for the service, which began at 2pm. Many dressed in rugby tops, young farmers' shirts or "Stay Strong Stu" t-shirts to turn the church blue in his honour.
The 25-year-old was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour five months ago sparking huge fund-raising efforts.
His friends at Tynedale Rugby Club started a campaign called "Stay Strong Stu", which spread through social media across the world and raised more than £200,000.
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