In October, a typically determined Joe Thompson took part in a 21-mile fundraising walk to raise cancer awareness.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in April 2024, five years after he retired from playing.

About 300 people took part in the walk from Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium - where he started his career as an Academy trainee - to Rochdale FC's ground, where his playing career ended.

Before his charity challenge, Thompson told BBC North West Tonight: "If you were to say to me, maybe three or four months ago, that I'd be doing a 21-mile walk, I would have snapped your hand off because I was struggling to breathe."

Mourners hugged each other outside the church as nearly 500 well-wishers gathered at St Marks Church in Worsley.

Former Aston Villa and Man United striker Dion Dublin chatted outside the church before he went inside with close family and friends.

Classical music played outside the church from a speaker next to a TV screen showing the service.

There was a sombre air but the odd smile as people remembered the popular footballer, media personality and charity campaigner.

Image source, Rochdale AFC

After Joe Thompson's death was announced, his former club Rochdale AFC said they were "devastated" and that their thoughts were with his family and friends.

"We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality," the club said., external

The National League club added: "His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.

"Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae."

The Thompson family say they would like his funeral at St Mark's Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester, to be a "beautiful day" and to "celebrate Joe's life and what he did with his time here on Earth".

Posting on Instagram,, external they said: "It doesn’t feel real, planning to say goodbye to Joe.

"Joe wanted an open funeral so that anyone who feels like Joe has impacted their life in any way can attend to say their goodbyes and pay their respects."

Joe Thompson's family said they were "overwhelmed" by thousands of messages after his death from people whose lives he had touched.

His wife Chantelle said she and their 12-year-old daughter Thailula had spent as much time as possible with him to prioritise "creating memories".

Together they told BBC Radio Manchester that Thompson's struggles with the disease had brought them closer as a family over the years, and "made us view life differently".

One of Joe Thompson's daughters said she was "very proud" of her father.

Thailula Thompson, 12, said her dad had always tried to help other people, and had "impacted so many people" during his relatively short life.

She said: "I feel like he would rather had a short life but impacted more people than have a long life and impacted fewer people.

"I am very proud of him."

Retired footballer Joe Thompson's funeral at St Marks Church in Worsley, Greater Manchester, is due to begin at 11:00.

His family have said that members of the public are very welcome to attend.

The married father-of-two, who had been diagnosed with cancer three times, died last month aged 36.

Image source, Reuters

Good morning.

The family and friends of Joe Thompson will gather later this morning to celebrate the footballer, pundit and charity campaigner's life.

The former Rochdale, Tranmere, Carlisle, Southport and Bury player died, aged 36, on 17 April after his lymphoma spread to his lungs.

He had twice recovered from the disease, a form of blood cancer, during his playing career.

His widow Chantelle said the public response to his death, both from within the football world and beyond, had been "incredible".

"I think it really helps, especially in those first few days," she said.