Harry Moseley: Hundreds at funeral of cancer fundraiser, 11

Harry raised money and awareness about brain cancer

Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of an 11-year-old boy who died from a brain tumour after raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Harry Moseley became well-known through his presence online after being diagnosed with the tumour in 2007.

Harry, from Sheldon, in Birmingham, died on 8 October.

The funeral was held on Thursday at St Edburgha's Church in Yardley, Birmingham, and was followed by a private family ceremony.

During his illness Harry raised funds, thought to total more than £500,000, for the charity Cancer Research UK by speaking at events and selling handmade bracelets, which were worn by many of the congregation.

Celebrity mourners

His Help Harry Help Others campaign gained widespread celebrity admiration from stars including Dragons' Den tycoon Duncan Bannatyne and England captain John Terry.

Bannatyne and television presenter Ben Shephard were among the mourners who followed Harry's SpongeBob SquarePants coffin into the church.

Harry's sister Danielle Green, 17, read the congregation a poem about her brother and X Factor winner Joe McElderry performed one of Harry's favourite songs, The Climb.

Richard Taylor, executive director of fundraising and marketing at Cancer Research UK, said it was a "terribly sad" day.

Paying tribute to the 11-year-old, he said: "We're here to commemorate his life, short though it was he achieved more in his 11 years than most people achieve in a lifetime so we're here to celebrate also what he did.

"He was incredible. I've never met a young boy like Harry.

"He was so selfless. He put all his energy into raising money for Cancer Research UK and his own campaign."

He said he also helped raise awareness for what was not a very common illness - brain cancer.

He added he had inspired a lot of people.

"He was a young chap who touched everybody who met him," he said.

'Best friend'

Harry's mother Georgina Moseley cried as she paid tribute to her "hero" son.

Reverend Tsipouras described Harry as a "remarkable boy"

She said: "My baby boy, my best friend and my hero. No-one will ever understand the close bond we shared.

"I will always be bursting with immense pride when I talk and think about you."

She added: "You will not be remembered as Harry with a brain tumour but as Harry who helped people with brain tumours.

"You made it happen H, I hope you never forget that.

"I will always, always love you with all of my heart."

Reverend John Tsipouras led the service and described Harry as a "remarkable boy".

He said: "He just had the biggest heart. He inspired other people and simply brightened up their days."

People in the church broke into spontaneous applause as Harry's coffin was carried out of the church for a private service at Yardley Crematorium.