PHOTOS: Farewell to popular chef Ben (27)

Hundreds attended the funeral of a Reedley man who selflessly helped raise thousands of pounds for awareness of brain and kidney disease.

Twenty-seven-year-old chef Ben King died on February 28th after bravely battling inoperable brain tumours and renal failure.

Funeral of Ben King, who has died of cancer. Mourners were invited to wear an item of lime green which was his favourite colour and his dog Bubba lead the coffin into the crematorium. Picture by Paul Heyes

placeholder image — Funeral of Ben King, who has died of cancer. Mourners were invited to wear an item of lime green which was his favourite colour and his dog Bubba lead the coffin into the crematorium. Picture by Paul Heyes

Up to 500 people attended Burnley Crematorium on Saturday for an emotional service and Ben was led in by his pet bulldog, Bubba.

The service was a sea of lime green, as those attending the funeral were encouraged to wear garments in Ben’s favourite colour, and 200 lime green balloons were also released.

Funeral of Reedley man Ben King, who has died of cancer, at Burnley Crematorium. Mr King raised Â£12,000 for brain and kidney disease after his diagnosis. People were invited to wear an item of lime green which was his favourite colour and his dog Bubba lead the coffin into the crematorium. Picture by Paul Heyes, Saturday March 12, 2016.

With donations collected at the funeral, the fund has nearly reached the £15,000 mark.

Ben’s mum Fiona said: “It has been a very difficult few weeks but we will get through it.

“Saturday was very well attended, even Ben’s surgeon from 10 years ago turned up. The love and support for us as a family really has helped us.

“Everybody said what a beautiful day it was. Many happy memories were shared afterwards and Ben would have loved the get-together.

“Thanks very much to Helliwells and the Muni, it was just so well done.

“Thanks to Angela Riding who officiated. She has been a tower of support for the family.

“Another £2,500 was collected in donations which is brilliant and we are now almost up to £15,000 raised.

“With a comedy night and the fun day coming up, we will be close to handing over the first cheques for £10,000 each, which is what Ben wanted, so will soon be able to do that for him.”