Crowds celebrate life of 'kind, caring, sensitive soul' at Haydn Griffiths' funeral

Haydn, from Lowton, went missing after he went swimming in the River Mersey off New Brighton, at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, July 19.

After extensive searches from the emergency services, his family, and more than 150 volunteers, the 23-year-old's body was found off Pier Head in Liverpool on Sunday, July 24.

READ > Family pay tribute to 'free spirit' Haydn Griffiths

Haydn was described as a "kind, caring, sensitive soul"

His funeral took place today (Tuesday, August 16) for family and close friends at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Atherton.

Due to the positive impact he had on many lives, speakers were arranged to be outside the crematorium so that people could listen and pay their respects.

True to Haydn's unique character, his family arrived in classic cars before a touching eulogy was read out to the crematorium and the large crowds which had gathered outside.

Haydn's family arrived at the Crematorium in classic cars

Never too embarrassed to say that he loved his family, Haydn was described as a "kind, caring and sensitive soul" who loved spending time in nature and with those he loved.

He had always been an adventurer and after joining Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club aged six, his love for water, nature, and animals only grew.

A talented sailor and swimmer, Haydn was nominated for Wigan Sportsperson of the Year in 2013 and his impressive sporting achievements has left his name on the wall at Lowton High School, along with his sister Megan.

Haydn was a member of Leigh & Lowton Sailing Club since the age of six

Haydn was said to have always strived to enforce positive change and he helped to make improvements while he was a student at Wigan & Leigh College.

Going on to study engineering and training in the Merchant Navy, the 23-year-old was also described as a very hard worker and in his own words, taken from a copy of his personal statement, he said "you only get out of life what you put into it".

Haydn was known for his adventurous spirit

Following poignant poems and emotive songs, Haydn's own love for music was highlighted as a clip of his guitar playing and singing was played out for people to remember him by.

Ending the eulogy to say that they were "very proud" of Haydn, his family thanked everybody for "being a part of his life until the very end".

They also thanked the emergency services who extensively searched for his body and have continued to offer the family emotional support.

Haydn died aged 23 and leaves behind his doting parents Bryn and Diane, sisters Megan and Brogan, grandparents Nana Bet Griffiths, and Colin and Maureen Winrow and uncles Mark and Lee plus extended family.

The Griffiths family, Bryn, Megan, Diane, Brogan and Haydn with guide dog Hope