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Mourners gather to remember tragic Medway Maritime Hospital groom Ryan Felix Glenny from Lower Stoke at his funeral in Strood

Hundreds of people have gathered to remember tragic hospital groom Ryan "Felix" Glenny at his funeral today.

A sea of his friends walked behind the 23-year-old's coffin as it made its way to St Nicholas Church, in Strood, for the service this morning.

More than 300 mourners had joined his wife, Cola, children and family as a horse-drawn carriage took his coffin to the church in the High Street.

The coffin carrying Ryan "Felix" Glenny is taken into the church
The coffin carrying Ryan "Felix" Glenny is taken into the church

The young dad, who married his sweetheart and the mother of his two children just over a month ago, died on January 11 after finding out he had incurable cancer.

Ryan - known by his middle name Felix - and Cola have a son, Ralph, and baby Pearl.

As a mark of respect, his many friends had walked all the way from his father Paul's house, in Bligh Way, Strood, to the church, where hundreds of other mourners stood outside and met the funeral procession.

His wife and father led friends into the church and around 500 packed into it to hear the emotional service.

The funeral procession makes its way along Strood High Street
The funeral procession makes its way along Strood High Street
A horse-drawn carriage is used for Felix's coffin
A horse-drawn carriage is used for Felix's coffin
Mourners gather outside St Nicholas Church in Strood
Mourners gather outside St Nicholas Church in Strood

Mr Glenny's coffin was brought into the building as a song he used to play on his way to play football, Champagne Supernova by Oasis, was played.

His heartbroken wife bravely stood in front of mourners and paid a heartfelt tribute to "the love of her life" and told the congregation "she was so proud to be Mrs Glenny".

As his coffin was brought out of the place of worship after the service, the couple's wedding song - How Long Will I Love You, by Ellie Goulding - was played.

Family and friends then made their way to Strood Cemetery in Cuxton Road, Strood, where Ryan was being buried.

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Felix Glenny with children Ralph and Pearl before he fell ill
Felix Glenny with children Ralph and Pearl before he fell ill

Mr Glenny died just weeks after marrying Cola in an emotional ceremony at Medway Maritime Hospital.

The wedding was arranged after Mr Glenny was told he had incurable bowel cancer.

When the father-of-two, of High Street, Lower Stoke, was first diagnosed, friend Ashley Clark set up a fund to help Cola and their two children Ralph, two, and Pearl, 11 weeks.

Video: Mourners gather for the funeral of Ryan "Felix" Glenny

Among those who donated was X Factor judge and cancer survivor Sharon Osbourne, who gave £10,000.

The total now stands at more than £60,000.

Felix's mother died of bowel cancer three years ago, aged 41, and his grandfather died of the disease last year.

Despite his family medical history, Mrs Glenny said Felix's concerns were ignored by doctors.


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After weeks of suffering stomach pains and being told it was an infection, he was admitted to hospital and given an emergency scan, which revealed a massive tumour in his bowel.

On his son's second birthday, doctors told Mr Glenny there was nothing more they could do.

Mr Glenny spent Christmas and New Year in hospital, but Mr Clark said despite everything, he would still have a smile on his face.

Felix and Cola at their wedding
Felix and Cola at their wedding

He added: "He was still him, we still had jokes amongst the pain.

"Words can't describe the type of man Felix was. Everywhere he went, he just cheered the atmosphere up.

"He was such a fun-loving, genuine person. He's touched that many people that he won't be forgotten."

Felix in hospital with Cola and son Ralph
Felix in hospital with Cola and son Ralph

To donate to Felix's fund, visit www.gofundme.com/59nuts.


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