The family of much-missed Stevenage 26-year-old Bill Flavell have sent out heartfelt thanks to all who were at his funeral.

The Comet: Bill Flavell's coffin on its way to Harwood Park Crematorium where more than 300 people gathered.Bill Flavell's coffin on its way to Harwood Park Crematorium where more than 300 people gathered. (Image: Archant)

Bill, who attended Hailey Hall School in Hoddesdon, sadly passed away on January 9 after battling Leukaemia.

The family said they were ‘overwhelmed’ by the number of people who went to the funeral at Stevenage’s Harwood Park Crematorium last Friday.

In homage to Bill’s support of Manchester United, some of his best friends and family members dressed in Manchester United shirts. His coffin was carried to the crematorium on a horse and cart.

Bill’s brother Rhys, cousins Lloyd and Charlie, and friends Daryl, Gary and Brett carried Bill’s coffin, and said it was an honour they could do so.

The Comet: Floral tributes to Bill Flavell.Floral tributes to Bill Flavell. (Image: Archant)

William’s sister Evie gave a reading which her family described as ‘beautiful’.

Bill’s mum Jayne released doves, and family and friends joined together to release 26 balloons.

Bill’s family told the Comet: “We would like to say thank you for all the love and support through our pain and heart ache in giving William the send of he deserved.

“As a family we were overwhelmed by the amount of people who came and showed their respect. The family would like to say a special thank you to Austin’s Funeral Directors, Ivy Florist, The Times Club, Balloon Boutique and Design it Dave.”

The Comet: Bill Flavell will be remembered for making his friends and family laugh.Bill Flavell will be remembered for making his friends and family laugh. (Image: Archant)

Some of these businesses have helped the family put together gift bags for homeless people, which the family plan to hand out in London and locally using donations raised from a memorial night held at the Almond Tree pub in Stevenage and from donations at Bill’s funeral. These amounted to £1,300.

Any donations of unwanted new toiletries, socks, and other listed items can still be donated via Bill Flavell’s Facebook page.

Bill’s family added: “Use what you’ve been through as fuel, believe in yourself and be unstoppable.”

As well as mum Jayne, Bill leaves behind his stepdad Steve Crease, brother Rhys Flavell, sisters Emily Flavell and Evie Fordham, dad Eddie and stepmum Louise.

The Comet: A heart-shaped tribute to Bill, who lost his battle with leukaemia.A heart-shaped tribute to Bill, who lost his battle with leukaemia. (Image: Archant)