CROWDS of mourners turned out to honor the memory of a village hero who raised more than £17,000 for charity.

Christ Church, in his home village of Little Broughton, was packed yesterday, with many people standing outside to pay respects to David ‘Barny’ Barnes.

Mr Barnes, who died at the age of 53 following a four-year battle with myeloma, was remembered for his comedic and warm personality by Reverend Godfrey Butland, leading the service. Mr Barnes was known as Barny for his “larger than life” character. 

His daughter Stacey said: “Though called a buffoon in his school report, he was the savviest bloke this side of Maryport.”
Rev Butland said Mr Barnes’ friends felt better simply being around him.

His coffin was carried into the village church to Bridge Over Troubled Water and, as was his wish, the funeral was a celebration of his life. The eulogy told stories of his mischievous pranks and antics, and “man-of-the-people Barny” was said to be the “life and soul”.

Rev Butland said his sunny personality and the laughter he brought will be missed by his family and friends: “There is going to be a Barny-shaped gap in your life.”

In his free time, Mr Barnes loved caring for animals on his allotment which was known as ‘BarnyWorld’; “Here was his sanctuary” said the reverend. 

He was also an avid rugby player and, despite his charismatic personality, was “a force to be reckoned with” on the pitch for Broughton Red Rose.

The reverend told a story of Mr Barnes once crashing into an opposing player with such force, the two popped the ball. He brought that ferocity shown on the pitch into his battle with myeloma. 

In honor of his fighting spirit, mourners sang the hymn Fight The Good Fight. 

Donations were collected for Myeloma UK and the Henderson Suite in West Cumberland Hospital.

He leaves behind his wife Shirley, son Rikki and daughter Stacey, and two grandchildren.

The News & Star attended the funeral with permission from his family.