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Sir Alex remembers plunge marine | |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Sir Alex Ferguson has joined mourners as a Royal Marine who fell to his death during a helicopter abseiling exercise was laid to rest. | |
Lance Corporal Gordon Campbell, 28, from Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, died at the Pontrilas Army Training Area near Hereford on 25 September. | |
Manchester United manager Sir Alex is a friend of the Campbell family. | |
The funeral service, with full military honours, took place at Oldmeldrum Parish Church. | |
Gordy died doing the job he loved but this does not diminish our sadness at this time Family statement | |
The Royal Marine's parents Margaret and Gordon, sisters Julia and Cheryl, and his long-time partner Debbie were among hundreds at the funeral. | |
L/Cpl Campbell's coffin was carried into the church by a bearer party made up of six of the serviceman's fellow Royal Marines. | |
The small rural church was unable to accommodate all of the mourners and many listened to the service from a marquee set up outside while others stood in the open air. | |
'Distinguished career' | |
Reading from a prepared statement before the service, family friend Dougie Hicken said: "The whole family are devastated by the tragic death of our son, brother and beloved Gordy. | |
"Gordy died doing the job he loved and indeed wanted to do from an early age but this does not diminish our sadness at this time. | |
"Gordy lived his life to the full and packed more into his 28 years than most people do in a lifetime, both at work with the Royal Marines and while home on leave in Scotland. | |
The word Son was spelled out in flowers at the service | |
"Gordy saw active service around the globe during his distinguished career and we are extremely proud of all his achievements." | |
L/Cpl Campbell was based at Poole, Dorset, and had joined the Royal Marines in 1997. West Mercia Police have been investigating the serviceman's death. | |
A member of the Royal Marines Assault Group, he had served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. | A member of the Royal Marines Assault Group, he had served in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. |
His commanding officer said he had a "natural flair for soldiering". | His commanding officer said he had a "natural flair for soldiering". |
The family's earlier death notice stated: "Our hearts are broken as we have lost such a special hero to us all." |