Joshua McCormack funeral

Josh McCormack

Joshua McCormack’s funeral will take place on Monday 23 January at 1pm at St John’s in Whitworth.

Five-year-old Joshua died during the early hours of 13 January after battling a terminal brain tumour.

The funeral cortege will start at the Crown Oil Arena (formerly Spotland Stadium) and will continue to Whitworth.

Rochdale AFC has invited supporters who wish to pay their respects to stand with them on Sandy Lane.

Josh's family have asked that mourners allow family priority when being seated in church and politely requested family members only at the burial.

A gathering to reflect on Josh’s life will take place at the Berni Inn in Whitworth (family and close friends priority) before a balloon release will take place at the Halfway House.

Family have requested that people make their way to the Halfway House if the Berni Inn is at capacity where they will join people later for the balloon release.

His mum, Nicola McCormack said: “To date, this is the worst, most difficult post I have ever had to write. My best friend has gone and it’s final. Life will never be the same and we now have to live with grief for an eternity.

“One final thing we have to do as parents (which no parent should have to do) is arrange the best send-off ever for the best, most charismatic and caring son.

“To have a son like Joshua is every parent’s dream. Our dream came true with Joshua but lasted only five short years, the last of which cancer made our perfect dream become a living nightmare.

“Joshua’s 'celebration of life' service is to be held at St. Johns, Whitworth on Monday 23 January 2017 at 1pm.

“The funeral cortege will first pass Rochdale AFC stadium at 12.30pm and pause for a few moments.

“We are asking all those who wish to attend to allow our family to take preference when being seated in church. Immediately after the service, we would appreciate family only at the burial site.

“Following the burial and to reflect on Joshua's life we will be gathering at Berni Inn, Whitworth. We have shared happy memories with Joshua there which is the reason we have chosen this venue.

“As the venue can only accommodate a limited amount of people we ask that family/close friends are to be accommodated first.

“If the venue reaches full capacity and you still want to share the celebration of Joshua's life, please make your way to the Halfway House (located short walking distance from Berni's) for a bite to eat and wait for the family to join you for a balloon release in honour of our brave superhero, Joshua. (The buffet there has been kindly donated by Benjamin Boothman and his catering team).

“The family will join you at the halfway house (AKA ‘Daddy's dirty pub’) after our much needed time of reflection, to release Joshua's balloons.”

Family flowers only please.

Any donations to be made to the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity:

www.joshwilson.org.uk

Enquiries to F Duffy & Son Funeral Services - 01706 868696.