A SEA of soccer shirts filled St Michael's Church as mourners gathered to say goodbye to 12-year-old Jamie Gosling.
But team rivalries were forgotten as the community shared their memories of the young Manchester United fan who died well before his time.
His tragic death shocked Macclesfield after he went into hospital with stomach ache but collapsed into a coma and never regained consciousness last month.
And in tribute to the schoolboy, of Ryles Close, friends and family were asked to wear his favourite kit - or the colours of their team. At the heart-rending ceremony, nearly 300 family members and friends, many Jamie's Tytherington High School pals, filled the church on Market Place to celebrate his life.
A stillness fell over the square as shoppers stopped to watch the small Manchester United coffin being lifted from a car and onto the shoulders of four coffin-bearers.
Followed by dad Mark, and big brother and sister, Chris, 18, and Nikki 22, they carried it into the church, which echoed with the sound of sobbing and one of Jamie's favourite songs, "How to Save a Life", by The Frey.
Jamie's deputy headteacher, Kevin Harrison, fought back tears to read a heart-rending poem about his pupil's short life.
And Reverend Graham Turner said: "This is a painful time and we are here to say thank you to Jamie and to celebrate his life.
"We are all here because Jamie had, in some way, shone the light of his life on us."
He added: "However you knew Jamie, the suddenness of his death will have shocked you.
"He had so much potential to grow into a strong man, and he would have been able to give so much more over the years. So many of you would have been able to grow up with him, but now you will have to carry on without Jamie."
Mr Turner told how popular Jamie was a talented artist, massive football supporter and talented cook.
They sang "Sing Hosanna" and "Who put the colours in the rainbow" - perfect for a lad his sister described as being so full of energy and always ready to smile.
Jamie's sister Nikki, 22, of Pitt Street, Macclesfield, added after the service: "I think that was a good send-off for Jamie - it's how he would have wanted it."
