THE loving, caring and inspirational character of a young woman whose life was cut short by cancer was celebrated on Friday.

There was standing room only at St Thomas's Church in Leigh for the funeral of Bolton Thai Boxer Donna Morris, who died at the age of 27 last month.

Friends, family and those who had heard of, and been inspired by, Donna lined Chapel Street as the funeral cortege arrived.

Poignantly, a boxing glove made out of red and white flowers was placed on the coffin, symbolising not only her love of sport - she was a member of Bolton Thai Boxing Club - but also her strength and courage throughout her battle with the illness.

Donna, who lived with her family - father Don, mother Carol and 16-year-old sister Christina - in Warrington Road, Leigh, was diagnosed with the condition a year ago.

She beat the illness, but earlier this year, Donna started suffering stomach pains and was re-admitted for treatment.

She developed a blood infection which complicated treatment and her organs began to fail.

During the service, more than 200 mourners heard of Donna's bravery throughout her illness and her selflessness even in her last days.

In a moving eulogy celebrating her life, Donna's father spoke about his daughter's "infectious personalitycwhich made her many friends when she joined the Thai boxing club and how she was "carving out her life" before the illness struck. Donna was taking a diploma in business management at Wigan and Leigh College and wanted to progress to studying for an MBA.

Mr Morris said: "She had care and compassion for others, this was her greatest asset. Even when she was in hospital fighting for her life, her concern was for her grandparents and her sister who was taking her GCSEs."

He added: "Donna showed courage throughout her life until her last breath. She will always be in our hearts."

Donna's Thai boxing instructor Sandy Holt described her as a "very strong person" who had a "strong lifeforce".

He told the congregation: "I would rather have spent 27 years as Donna than 100 years as someone who does nothing for society.

"Donna was one of the most positive people I have had the privilege to meet in my lifetime."

He urged others to live life to the full, as Donna had done.

"That is what Donna would have wanted," said Mr Holt.

Parish Priest Father Anthony Hirst spoke of the love Donna had for others. He said: "Donna's life still flowers. Jesus prepares the right places for us all, and I'm sure Donna's will include Thai boxing and athletics in there somewhere."

Father Hirst added: "Life goes through this mortal death, and through to eternity. Love is never destroyed."

Aptly, the hymn "Fight the Good Fight" was sung at the service.

Following the funeral service, close friends, and some who had hardly known Donna, described her as an inspiration.

Gemma Feeney, aged 27, from Deane, met Donna only once three weeks ago in the Christie Hospital, where she was also undergoing treatment for cancer.

Gemma said: "She was very poorly at the time but so friendly. People comment that I am brave, but Donna was more than brave. She is an inspiration to me. She really cared. I had only met her the once, but she touched me and that is why I attended the funeral."

The service was followed by cremation at Howe Bridge Crematorium.