THE family of inspirational Chris Carberry want people to create a guard of honour for his funeral next Friday, May 29, as a tribute to him.

Chris, from Rainford, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, osteosarcoma in December 2015.

As reported on last week’s Star front page, he died earlier this month, aged 24. His funeral will take place on Friday, May 29, and the people of St Helens are being asked to line the route to form a guard of honour from Rainford Village to St Helens Crematorium, whilst adhering to social distancing rules.

During his fight with the disease, which started at the age of 19, former bricklayer Chris had his left leg amputated in March 2016 .

During his cancer journey he blogged about these experiences, writing words that have inspired others including triple amputee Andy Reid MBE.

The war veteran, who became friends with Chris, said: “Rest in peace mate you were an inspiration to lots of people, including myself”.

In a message this week, Chris’ mum Sarah, 51, said: “Thank you for all your kind messages this past week, your love and support has been overwhelming and it is clear to see that Chris has touched the hearts of so many.

“For this reason we would love to share with you the opportunity to celebrate Chris’s life at his upcoming funeral. Due to the current situation we find ourselves in, large gatherings at funerals are not allowed.

“However we would still invite all of you that knew Chris or simply followed his story to be part of this day with us.

“We ask that you line the route as a guard of honour from Rainford Village to St Helens Crematorium, whilst adhering to social distancing rules.

“The journey will begin in Chris’ home village of Rainford at 1pm and travel to St Helens Crematorium where the funeral will take place at 1.30pm.

“The funeral will be live streamed. A further service will take place at GreenAcres on a date to be confirmed once the restrictions have been lifted, to enable us all to give Chris the send off he deserves.”