Well known Breightmet mum laid to rest as crowds of people attend her funeral

Debbie Hales was laid to rest on Friday, surrounded by her loved ones after a long battle with cancer.

The sombre day began with the hearse travelling from her family home of more than 45 years down to Leverhulme Park, where the hearse did a lap around the running track followed closely by guests with the RNLI mascot, before an emotional funeral service at Christ Church in Harwood.

The RNLI mascot at the running track at Leverhulme Park in Bolton, where Debbie's hearse and mourners did a lap (Picture Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Mourners follow Debbie's hearse around the running track at Leverhulme Park (Picture: Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

As well as being described as a inspirational mum by her children, Debbie was known for her work with running club Bolton United Harriers and the RNLI, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, in Blackpool, a charity close to her heart.

The coffin was taken into the church with Mandi Fisher hit White Feather Falls playing in the background. White feathers were also lay on the coffin at that point.

Debbie's coffin with her RNLI helmet on top (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Debbie's coffin being carried out of the hearse (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Debbie's coffin being carried (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Debbie's coffin being carried (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Samantha Harvey's Dancing in the Sky played allowing guests to remember the times they spent with Debbie and as the coffin was taken out of the church, Kirsty MacColl's Days was played.

During the service, tributes were paid to the "kind, inspirational and fearless" mum who has been put to rest beside her beloved husband Ian who died in a jet ski accident in 2003.

The funeral service at Christ Church in Harwood (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

The service at Christ Church in Harwood (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Debbie was also in that accident alongside her husband and survived due to the efforts of the RNLI charity.

Since that day, Debbie has worked with the charity and fundraised thousands of pounds.

Shaun O’Donnell, a committee member at Bolton Harriers, was the first to pay tribute to Debbie at the funeral.

He said: "For those like me who were privileged to have known Debbie will never forget her bubbly smile, her sense of fun, the twinkle in her eye and boundless energy.

"She could never be held down and was always planning some new adventure, I was lucky to have called Debbie a friend and Debbie was always the heart and soul of every event.

"Debbie, you have a special place in our hearts and all those past and present in Bolton Harriers that you have touched with your love and devotion. God Bless.”

An RNLI member named Esther also paid tribute, she said: "Debbie was couragous, generous, kind, funny and an inspiration to all the people at the RNLI station in Blackpool.

"The fact there are so many RNLI volunteers and staff here today is a testament to the impact she had.

"We will miss her but she will always be part of our station family and we will remember her as our kind and couragous friend."

A picture of Debbie and her RNLI helmet on top of her funeral at the service (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

An RNLI award that Debbie won (Picture: Henry Lisowski) (Image: Henry Lisowski)

Debbie's best friend Mel added: "Life won't be the same without Debbie around.

"Deb was a selfless, caring, kind and inspirational fearless person and nothing was ever too much trouble, she had a great sense of humour.

"I will remember our journey and friendship for life."

The vicar then read out a short message written by Debbie's grandson Luca.

Part of his speech said: "To my grandma I want to say thank you for being my grandma, there are no words to say just how much I miss you.

"I will always remember the laughs we had, you were always so proud to be my grandma.

"I will forever continue to make you proud and think of you each and every day, goodnight grandma."

Sadness and emotion could be felt around the packed out church as many came together to pay their respects dressed in bright colours, just as Debbie wanted.

The family didn't want flowers but said if anyone would like to pay their respects they can donate a sum of money to the RNLI and the Evergreen Suite through their justgiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matthew-hales