THE loved ones of a man who “lit up any room” said their final farewells to him on Wednesday.

Paul Mamoun, who lived in Leigh, died after a battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of 47.

Around 100 people gathered at Holy Family Church in Boothstown for an emotional service in which his stepson Declan, 12, bravely stood up to read a heartfelt prayer.

Paul was laid to rest at Leigh Cemetery before mourners had a drink together at The King William pub in Mosley Common.

Leigh Journal:

Paul with Declan and Sacha

Leigh Journal:

From left; Declan, Paul's stepdaughter Joanna, Stacey, Paul and Sacha as a baby

Leigh Journal:

His widow Stacey, 40, said: “Paul was always the rock of the family.

“He was such a big character.

"He lit up any room he went into and he had a laugh like a hyena.

“I was sitting with him in the chapel of rest on what would have been our 9th wedding anniversary on October 22 instead of having a nice meal together. It was heartbreaking.

“As a family we have feelings of emptiness and sadness at the moment."

Paul was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December 2016 and had an operation the following month in January 2017, in which Stacey says she was told he was given only a one per cent chance of surviving.

Paul pulled through but in August this year, doctors found he had peritoneal cancer, a rare form of the condition which starts in the thin layer of tissue lining the inside the abdomen.

He passed away on October 3.

As well as Stacey and Declan, Paul leaves behind his daughter Sacha, eight, stepdaughter Joanne, 28, and stepson Jake, 25.

Leigh Journal:

Paul with Declan and Sacha

Leigh Journal:

From left; Joanna, Declan, Paul, Stacey and Jake

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Stacey, who described Paul as a perfectionist, said: “Paul worked in motor car sales and motors was his passion.

“He used to love playing with cars and mending them.

"Paul was able to his hand to anything and no matter what broke he could mend it.

“He even learnt how to plaster the house to save us some money.

“Paul also loved to cook and did all the cooking in the house.”

A 5k mud run for all ages will take place at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in Atherton at 11am on Saturday, November 9 in aid of Paul's family to help with the funeral costs.

Entry is £5 on the day with prizes awarded for the muddiest male and female.

Everyone who takes part will receive a medal.

Raffles will take place after the event as well with lots of prizes up for grabs.

To donate to a crowdfunding page in support of the cause click here.