TEAM-MATES of amateur rugby league player Jordan Welsby turned out to honour his memory ahead of his funeral.
'Jordy', who played for Blackbrook ARLFC, was knocked down by a car on Prescot Road, St Helens at about 11pm on Saturday, December 26.
He died aged 26 in hospital on Thursday, December 31.
Team-mates and members of the Blackbrook club and community gathered to give Jordy a fitting send-off on Tuesday morning, January 26.
They lined up along Boardmans Lane to pay tribute to the 26-year-old as his funeral hearse travelled past.
Team-mates past and present gathered on Boardmans Lane to say farewell
Many were wearing Blackbrook tops with 'Welsby 7' on the back.
The funeral cortege left Jordan's mum's address in Newton-le-Willows at 10.30am and made its way to Blackbrook Rugby Club where the hearse stopped briefly before it went on to St Helens Crematorium.
People released balloons signifying the Blackbrook colours of black, white and blue and gave a round of applause as the cortege passed.
A floral tribute spelling out 'Jordy' was on show in the hearse.
People held blue and black balloons, the colour of the club
In a tribute earlier this month, his family said: "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that as a family we have suffered the tragic loss of our beloved son, grandson, brother, boyfriend, uncle, nephew and cousin Jordan Welsby at the tender age of 26 years.
"We are all still coming to terms with the tragic events and our hearts are heavy with grief and sadness.
"Jordan was such a thoughtful, caring and wonderful person, loved by many and the world is a sadder place for all without him.
"As a family we are overwhelmed by the kind messages and support, in particular that from the world of rugby league and his family at Blackbrook rugby club.
"Jordan played representative rugby for his town St Helens, county Lancashire and Great Britain being a representative of BARLA in 2016."
Jordan Welsby was a talented rugby league player
It added: "Jordan fought so hard for all his family and friends as we prayed around the clock for a miracle at his bedside.
"Alas the miracle that we prayed for could not be provided but due to Jordan’s selflessness and wishes a New Years miracle was able to be granted.
"In the early hours of New Year’s Day Jordan became an organ donor ensuring others could celebrate the New Year with renewed hope and with the ultimate gift of life.
Applause as the hearse passes
"Unselfish to the very end. We are all so very proud of him.
"The family would like to take this opportunity thank everyone for their continued support and kind words.
"Goodnight and God bless Jordan until we meet again X."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here