HUNDREDS of mourners paid tribute to a courageous young man who lost his long battle with cancer — after beating the disease twice.

More than 300 friends and family packed into St Paul’s Church, Astley Bridge, to remember, and celebrate, the life of Jack Coleman.

The 20-year-old lost his fight for life on Sunday, January 4, at his home in Bromley Cross, where he was surrounded by friends and family.

Jack’s final wish was that his coffin was carried by six of his best friends.

And it was pal Simon Fairhurst who delivered a eulogy full of praise and admiration for Jack at the funeral yesterday.

He said: “Jack was a great friend and he was very courageous.

“One of my favourite memories of him was when a group of us went to watch Bolton Wanderers versus Chelsea away last season in fancy dress.

“No one had a bad word to say about him. He came to my 21st birthday party with a smile on his face and, despite his illness, he always remained positive and made the most of the time he had left.”

Jack was diagnosed with leukaemia three weeks after his 18th birthday.

He beat the disease twice, but when it returned again doctors said there was nothing more they could do for him.

He was given two weeks to live in August but defied the odds to spend Christmas with his family and see in the New Year.

The former Turton High School pupil was a Wanderers season ticket holder and also had a love for darts.

When he was younger he wanted to be a doctor — or a magician.

The Rev Brenda Moore, who led the service, said: “Jack was very popular and could always make people laugh. When he was at nursery he would be climbing all over the place and everything had to be Jack-proofed.”

The hymns sung at the service were Colours of Day and Shine Jesus Shine.

The Oasis song, Stop Crying Your Heart Out, was played as Jack’s coffin was carried out of the church.

A private committal at Overdale followed the service.