FAMILY, friends and carers packed a church to say goodbye to "a real hero" who devoted his remaining years to raising awareness for motor neurone disease.

Mourners came in their dozens to pay their respects to John Adams today (Tuesday), of Droitwich Spa, who was known throughout the community for his charity work for MND.

Mr Adams was diagnosed with the disease back in 2017 and given 12 to 18 months to live, but he would end up defying the odds by living with MND for seven years.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Flowers in the hearse carrying Mr Adams read 'Sir John'Flowers in the hearse carrying Mr Adams read 'Sir John' (Image: NQ)

The cortege arrived outside St Augustine Church in Droitwich having been on a journey from Droitwich Rugby Club, through Droitwich high street and past The Talbot pub towards St Andrews Square.

It was an emotional moment as the hearse pulled up carrying Mr Adams, with flowers lying next to the coffin reading 'Sir John'.

The service opened up with The Long And Winding Road by The Beatles, a band that Mr Adams adored.

Opening prayers were then followed by a hymn Morning Has Broken before tributes were paid by Mr Adams' son, Paul, and grandchildren, Luke and Lucy.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: A touching service for Mr Adams was held at St Augustine ChurchA touching service for Mr Adams was held at St Augustine Church (Image: NQ)

Mr Adams rather poignantly said he wanted his father's funeral "to be a celebration" rather than a sad occasion to remember an "amazing man".

He mentioned that Mr Adams' three best skills were "football, smoking and truancy" having often skipped school during his formative years.

His first job post school was at the butcher's before further employment as a panel beater and working for the Post Office -a job he "loved".

Mr Adams was a passionate football fan, supporting "The Baggies" West Brom, and regularly played every Saturday and Sunday until he broke his leg at 40.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Mourners dressed in West Brom-related clothing and orange for MND AssociationMourners dressed in West Brom-related clothing and orange for MND Association (Image: NQ)

Son, Paul, said his father "vowed never to give up" when diagnosed with MND, initially targeting to raise £300 towards raising awareness of the disease that now stands at £30,000.

"He was my dad and a real hero," concluded Mr Adams.

Grandson, Luke, fondly remembered his grandfather's "ability to make us all laugh", adding: "He was forever laughing and putting a smile on people's faces".

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Flowers that featured a nice tribute from Mr Adam's familyFlowers that featured a nice tribute from Mr Adam's family (Image: NQ)

Mourners gathered dressed in West Brom-related clothing, while others wore orange in a nod to the MND Association, who Mr Adams raised so much money for.

A moment of reflection featuring In My Life by The Beatles was succeeded by more prayers and the hymn The Lord Is My Shepherd, before the service went out to Shotgun by George Ezra - a tune that Mr Adams "loved".

Donations made in Mr Adam's memory will be forwarded to his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-adams44.