Hundreds turn out in Goole for funeral of granddad murdered in Tunisia

Among those in attendance was local MP Andrew Percy, who has been supporting the family of Bruce Wilkinson in Goole.

Mr Percy said in a tweet: “Very moving funeral service for Goole man Bruce Wilkinson this morning, victim of Tunisian atrocity. Town did Bruce proud in show of support.”

In a statement issued by his family shortly after his death, Mr Wilkinson was described as a loving man who worked to support the care of others.

Hundreds also gathered to pay their respects to three members of the same family who were murdered in Tunisia.

The joint funeral of 19-year-old Joel Richards, his uncle Adrian Evans and the teenager’s grandfather, Charles Patrick Evans, heard that they tried to protect each other even in their final moments.

Joel’s 16-year-old brother Owen, who survived the attack, and their mother Suzanne were among around 700 people who attended the service in West Bromwich, West Midlands.

Adrian Evans, a 49-year-old gas service manager, 78-year-old Charles Evans, known to friends as Pat, and Joel were killed within 24 hours of arriving in Tunisia.

Addressing those inside the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church and around 200 people who gathered outside to listen to the service, Monsignor Bruce Harbert said his thoughts and prayers were with Owen.

Paying tribute to all three victims, the clergyman said: “Even in their last moments they stayed together, seeking to protect each other, a true Christian family to the end.

“Happily, Owen is still with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Owen, wishing you a long, happy and fruitful life, supported by the prayer of your brother, your uncle and your grandfather.

“A lot has been said in recent days about the good they did - Pat’s long contribution to the life of the community here in Stone Cross, the respect in which Adrian was held by his colleagues, and the love the children at St Mary’s School felt for Joel as he worked with them in the last few weeks.”

Msgr Harbert described the men’s murder in the resort of Sousse three weeks ago as “an evil act”.

“What happened to them is part of a much larger picture, a global conflict,” he said.

“This is often spoken of as an attack on British values. But there are no true British values that are not also Christian values, in particular, the value of freedom.”

Mourners, some wearing “Keep Calm and Smile” T-shirts, were handed an order of service featuring a photograph of the three men relaxing during their flight to Tunisia.

Elsewhere, the fiance of 24-year-old University of Lincoln graduate Carly Lovett spoke of the last moments they spent together.

Miss Lovett died in Sousse while on her first “couple’s holiday” with Liam Moore.

Speaking at her funeral in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Mr Moore described how the couple said they loved one another after she had been injured.

Mr Moore, who was one of the pall-bearers, told mourners: “She told me that she loved me, I told her that I loved her.

“I hope that she took comfort in knowing that I was there with her. I would never have left her as she would never have left me.”

Tributes were also paid to John and Janet Stocker at a service in south-west London.

Mr Stocker, 74, and his 63-year-old wife had been married for 26 years.

Their family said in a statement: “They were happily married for 26 years and partners for 42 years, living in London, and the proud parents to us all and will be sorely missed.

“They made a huge impact on our lives, and touched the hearts of so many people.”