Tributes paid as hundreds turn out for funeral of Shropshire-born radio presenter Colin Bloomfield
Hundreds of people attended the funeral of one of the region's most successful and well loved broadcasters.
The funeral of Shrewsbury Town fan and former BBC Radio Derby presenter Colin Bloomfield took place at St Chad's Church in Shrewsbury yesterday.
During a touching, poignant, and at times humorous service, those present heard Mr Bloomfield described as a "an extraordinary and inspirational young man".
Mr Bloomfield, originally from Shrewsbury, was diagnosed with stage four melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in 2013, and died aged only 33 at a hospice in Shropshire last month.
He worked as a hugely respected reporter at Radio Derby for more than 10 years, commentating on Derby County matches and presenting the breakfast show.
Mr Bloomfield's coffin was carried into the church draped in a Shrewsbury Town flag, and a reading was given during the service by the club's manager Micky Mellon, who led the team to promotion recently.
During the service, family member, Peter Lloyd, spoke of Mr Bloomfield's courage and determination in the face of his illness, and said: "He was a young man who was talented, modest, witty, and genuinely liked by everyone."
Mr Bloomfield's former colleague, Rachael Gilchrist, described him as a "natural" reporter and presenter.
She told those present that the Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal has so far raised more than £100,000 to help educate children about sun exposure. She said the appeal would mean that Mr Bloomfield would "continue to change people's lives".
Up to 200 schools in the Derbyshire area could be part of the Skcin Sun Safe scheme and receive sun cream dispensers and UV monitors to help protect pupils.
Reverend Harry Edwards, speaking about Mr Bloomfield's time at the Severn Hospice, Shrewsbury, said: "Every one of us who knew Colin at the hospice feel immensely proud and privileged to have met such an immense person."
The service featured a number of traditional hymns and was concluded with Happy by Pharrell Williams.
The service was followed by a reception at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
