A VARIETY of costumed characters and people wearing bright colours were among those who turned out to say an emotional goodbye to a 12-year-old boy who died of cancer.

Mourners gathered at Langstone Vale Crematorium yesterday, dressed as fictional characters from Warhammer, Star Wars, Harry Potter, favourites of Brand Shovlar, who lived in Blackwood.

Last year Brand was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma sarcoma, a type of cancer that grows in the muscles.

He died earlier this month.

Addressing a packed room, Jacqui Thackway-Winn, who was officiating, described the late teenager as a “brave warrior”.

She said: “We are united because we are all here for Brand. We want to pay tribute to him.

“All of us here have had our lives touched by Brand in some way. He was popular with everyone who knew him.”

She added: “We will all remember him.”

Dad Rob Shaefer also spoke at the funeral, saying: “We have lovely memories with Brand. I miss him terribly and always will.”

Mourner Bob Williams described the teenager as “one of a kind”.

“He was such a funny guy to know,” said Mr Williams.

“My son was a friend of his.

“If Brand could see the Warhammer 40K characters here he would be very happy.”

Another mourner Sian Morgan added: “It is incredible to see all these characters at a funeral.

“It is a funeral like no other and I will never forget it.

“It makes me sad seeing all of us here at a young boy’s funeral. We will all remember him.”

All donations made at the funeral will be given to LATCH the Welsh children’s Cancer Charity.