“HE brought us great joy every day.”

The words of Huw Thatcher’s family yesterday as they were joined by hundreds of other people to say a last goodbye to the promising young footballer.

It was standing room-only inside Holmfirth Parish Church for the 15-year-old’s funeral, following his sudden death on March 13.

Huw collapsed after suffering an undiagnosed brain aneurysm as he played for Hepworth United Juniors against Brighouse Town Juniors.

Mourners lined Towngate in the centre of Holmfirth as the cortege arrived at the church before his coffin was carried inside by relatives to the football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Many of those who had come to remember him wore football shirts, some bearing the name “Thatch”, for what was described as a celebration of his life.

The rector, the Rev Sean Robertshaw, read a tribute from Huw’s parents, Nick and Jenny, and his sister Carys.

They said: “He brought us great joy every day.”

Huw’s mum described him as her “big, loveable brown bear”.

His dad, who managed the soccer team in which Huw played, said he was a “best mate” as well as a son.

Carys paid tribute to her “big, protective brother and friend”.

The family also thanked the people of Holmfirth for their support since Huw’s death.

Their tribute said: “The last 12 days have been the first steps in a difficult journey, a journey that at times has seemed impossible to make.

“The saying that life is a journey and not a destination seems so true right now.

“The journey will get a bit easier each day and the part of the journey of life we are now travelling would not be possible without the incredible community of Holmfirth and Huw’s extended family.

“Us three are hurting and we know that all of you are too.

“The town of Holmfirth changed on March 13.

“Before March 13 it seemed like a lovely, safe town to live and for children to grow up in.

“Since March 13 the love, compassion and sincerity from people in this town have been truly inspiring and uplifting.

“The people of Holmfirth now feel like a massive family.”

There were also tributes from staff at Holmfirth High School, where Huw was a student.

Headteacher Gail Howe said: “It’s hard to describe adequately the effect and impact Huw’s passing has had on the school community.

“There’s an empty desk, an empty chair, a space on the register.

“For a while it seemed we forgot how to smile or laugh, but that’s not really in with the Huw that we knew.”

She said Huw was “extremely intelligent, thoughtful and articulate” and potentially a straight-As student.

In one school report, a teacher had said: “I have never taught a pupil as able as Huw who achieves so highly but with so little effort.”

Mrs Howe added: “Huw would have achieved whatever he put his mind to and been whatever he wanted to be.

“Huw will always be remembered at Holmfirth High with love, affection and a smile.”

Huw was captain of the school’s football team and coach John Battye described him as a “tall, powerful fullback with a sweet left foot”.

He added: “As a captain he was honest, not frightened to speak his mind, respected and held in high regard by his team mates.”

Among the mourners who attended the service were former Huddersfield Town manager Peter Jackson and ex-Academy coach Gerry Murphy, who flew from his home in Northern Ireland especially for the funeral.

Gerry said: “I wanted to come and show my respects because I have been involved in local football for a long time.

“I have three grandsons who play locally and it’s a bit of a case of there but for the grace of God.

“It’s sad for everybody and to have happened in a game of football right in his prime is devastating.

“He seemed to be a good lad, a good sportsman, but he also had a lot of spirit. He’s going to be missed by a lot of people”.