This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-21532562

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Hundreds attend James McConnell funeral after Facebook appeal Mourners attend James McConnell funeral after Facebook appeal
(35 minutes later)
More than 200 people attended the funeral of a former serviceman following a Facebook appeal amid fears he would be buried without mourners. More than 200 people attended the funeral of a former serviceman following a Facebook appeal, amid fears he would be buried without mourners.
James McConnell died last month aged 70 and staff at his care home in Southsea, Hampshire, were concerned they would be the only people at his funeral.James McConnell died last month aged 70 and staff at his care home in Southsea, Hampshire, were concerned they would be the only people at his funeral.
Word spread after messages were posted on Facebook and hundreds of people attended Milton Cemetery, Portsmouth. But word spread after messages were posted on Facebook about the funeral at Milton Cemetery, Portsmouth.
Reverend Bob Mason thanked mourners for their kindness. The Reverend Bob Mason thanked mourners for their kindness.
'Generosity of spirit''Generosity of spirit'
Royal British Legion standard bearers led a small procession through the cemetery followed by a group of flag-bearing motorcycles. Royal British Legion standard bearers led a small procession through the cemetery followed by a group of flag-bearing motorcyclists.
The service concluded with two buglers from the Royal Marines Band Service playing the Last Post.The service concluded with two buglers from the Royal Marines Band Service playing the Last Post.
Addressing the congregation, Reverend Bob Mason said: "The great majority of you who have come here today did not know James McConnell but wanted him to have a dignified farewell. Addressing the congregation, Mr Mason said: "The great majority of you who have come here today did not know James McConnell but wanted him to have a dignified farewell.
"I thank you for that kindness and generosity of spirit.""I thank you for that kindness and generosity of spirit."
Danny Marshall, an ex-Royal Marine, said: "It was mentioned wrongly that he did not have family; the corps family is bigger and better than most people would know about. Danny Marshall, a former Royal Marine, said: "It was mentioned wrongly that he did not have family: the corps family is bigger and better than most people would know about.
"We are all family and always will be.""We are all family and always will be."
Mr McConnell, also known as Jimmy, arrived at Bluebell Nursing Home in Southsea in December and lived there until his death. Mr McConnell, who was known as Jimmy, arrived at Bluebell Nursing Home in Southsea in December and lived there until his death the following month.