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David Rathband funeral
The coffin of PC David Rathband arrives for his funeral at Stafford crematorium. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA
The coffin of PC David Rathband arrives for his funeral at Stafford crematorium. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Hundreds gather for funeral of PC David Rathband

This article is more than 12 years old
Family of police officer blinded by Raoul Moat were 'unanimous' that his funeral should be a celebration of his life

Hundreds of people gathered in Stafford for the funeral of PC David Rathband, who was blinded in an attack by Raoul Moat.

The service began in humorous style with the Monty Python song Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. Humanist celebrant Carly Fee told the congregation at Stafford crematorium that the police officer's family were "unanimous" that his funeral should be a celebration of his life.

She said the song, which drew laughs from some of the mourners, was chosen because "it encapsulates David's own optimistic outlook and irrepressible humour".

Rathband, a father of two, was shot by Moat in 2010. He was found hanged at his home in Blyth, Northumberland, on 29 February.

The celebrant described Rathband, a former traffic officer with Northumbria police, as "David the brave" and "David the hero".

His identical twin brother Darren delivered a moving eulogy, pausing briefly to compose his emotions halfway through.

He said: "We were the image of each other, but I can never come close to the man he was."

Recalling the last time he saw his brother alive, when he visited his home in Australia, he said: "It broke my heart seeing him arrive in Adelaide. He was a shattered man, he looked so tired and frail, and the scars were so clearly visible."

Darren Rathband said his brother struggled with his blindness, and had found the flight to Australia difficult.

"This was my brother's new life, and it wasn't first class," he said. "David often said, 'I wish somebody would turn the lights on.'"

Rathband had battled to rebuild his life after being blinded by Moat and became a national figure after setting up the Blue Lamp Foundation, which helps 999 personnel injured in the line of duty.

PR consultant Max Clifford, representing Rathband's estranged wife Kath, said the widow was at the service, despite requests from Darren Rathband for her not to be there.

Northumbria police chief constable Sue Sim said she would not be at the service after Rathband's family asked that no senior officers attend.

A spokesman said: "Her thoughts, and those of the force, will be with David's family and friends on Saturday."

The chief constable will lead the force memorial service on Monday, 19 March at St Nicholas' Cathedral in Newcastle.

The funeral service was followed by a private family burial.

More on this story

More on this story

  • ‘It’s too raw’: Rothbury residents conflicted about Raoul Moat drama

  • Family of shot police officer David Rathband lose negligence claim

  • Affair ended marriage of PC blinded by gunman Raoul Moat, inquest hears

  • After interviewing David Rathband, I can honestly say I feared for him

  • Inside the mind of Raoul Moat

  • PC David Rathband told police he was OK days before being found dead

  • PC David Rathband found hanged, inquest told

  • PC David Rathband's life to be celebrated at memorial service

  • Blinded police officer David Rathband killed himself, coroner rules

  • Raoul Moat accomplice loses bid to reduce jail sentence

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