Special tributes to 'one-in-a-million' Shrews fan Lloyd, 11

Yesterday was the funeral of Lloyd Burton, the 11-year-old who became the face of the Stand Up To Cancer campaign in a national TV show where he rubbed shoulders with David Beckham.

Lloyd died at home last Wednesday surrounded by his parents Di and David and sisters Issy, 13 and Hannah, 16.

His death came two years after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, which ultimately led to him being paralysed from the neck down.

A service of celebration followed a private family burial.

Hundreds of school friends, family and friends turned out at Shrewsbury Town Football Club to pay their respects to the little boy who was always smiling.

Members of the club along with players and the manager also celebrated the life of one of the Town's biggest fans.

The day was full of laughter as his life was remembered by those present – all of whom had fond memories of the boy who had the biggest smile.

His former headteacher and class tutor, his football coach and Shrewsbury Town manager as well as his family spoke in glowing terms of Lloyd.

The 75-minute service, led by William Rowell, gave the 350-strong congregation the chance to reflect on Lloyd's life and the huge impression he made on people.

Holding back the tears Shrewsbury Town manager Mickey Mellon said: "Lloyd was an inspirational boy. Words can not do justice to him. He was a lad that touched us all. There is not a day that goes by that I do not carry with me the lessons I learned from an 11-year-old star."

Jenny Davies, headteacher of Meole Brace Primary School, said: "Lloyd was always ready for a giggle and a joke. He was a very caring and considerate child for his age. Lloyd was one-in-a-million."

Karen Cooke, Lloyd's teacher praised him for 'taking away the taboo of cancer'.

Lloyd's prowess on the football pitch was remembered by his team coach for Bayston Hill Under nines Glyn Sadd who said: "He was one of those players who was good, very good.

"He had a presence on the pitch.

"He made things happen and had a fantastic touch. He was right and left footed and could shoot from a distance and score goals and still he was only nine years old. He could play anywhere and as long as he was on the pitch he was happy.

"Lloyd Burton will be sadly missed but he will never be forgotten."

Lloyd's parents and sister Hannah also paid tribute to their "brave boy" whose infectious sense of humour and mischievous giggle lit up any room.

His father David said: "I miss Lloyd so much it hurts. He was my mate."

Lloyd, a pupil at Meole Brace Primary School, made headlines when he met David Beckham and Jose Mourinho and was once scouted by a string of professional football clubs including Manchester United, Port Vale and Shrewsbury Town.

Lloyd, who used to play football for Bayston Hill under nines before he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in May 2013, met Mourinho last December when almost £1,000 was raised in his honour through the sale of a painting of the Chelsea manager, signed by "the Special One" when the Blues played Shrewsbury Town in the Capital One Cup.

He met Beckham while filming for Stand Up To Cancer, the joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 last October.

His story became an internet hit and when he died, messages of condolence came in from across the globe via social media.