Corby firefighter receives a guard of honour at funeral

Firefighter Hilmi Say was described as "hugely popular" and "well-respected"

A firefighter who died from cancer was given a guard of honour by his colleagues at his funeral.

Hilmi Say, 40, had served at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service's station in Corby since 2010.

He was diagnosed with cancer in January 2022 and fundraised for treatment abroad.

Simon Tuhill, the county's chief fire officer, said Mr Say's colleagues had given him "the send-off he deserved".

Hilmi Say was given a guard of honour by his colleagues

People in Corby made donations when Mr Say raised money to fund treatment abroad.

Mr Say passed away on the morning of 23 December 2023, surrounded by his family.

His coffin was carried from the fire station to the church in Rothwell by a turntable ladder truck, flanked by two fire engines.

At the church, the coffin was lifted through a guard of honour made up of firefighters in their full-operational kit.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said "hundreds" of people paid tribute to the firefighter

Mr Say's wife, Victoria, described it as "a very special day for the most incredible man".

'Well-respected figure'

Mr Tuhill said: "The loss of Hilmi has been absolutely devastating for the service, and since then we have tried our best to support not just Hilmi's immediate family and friends, but also our own staff who have been so deeply affected by this.

"Hilmi joined us in 2010 after finishing his training, and served at Corby Fire Station ever since. In that time, he had become a hugely popular and well-respected figure within the service.

"Those who knew him well, knew how proud he was to be a firefighter and to serve the local community. Therefore it is only fitting that the service plays a big part in giving him the send-off that he deserves."