HUNDREDS packed Blackburn Cathedral for the funeral of a ‘selfless, kind and generous’ road runner who died suddenly last month.

Andrew Boardman, 46, suffered a suspected stroke as he walked to a Blackburn Road Runners event on Saturday, July 30.

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Mr Boardman had been a member for around five years and was ‘an inspirational figure’ for dozens of its members, helping ‘Couch to 5K’ groups and encouraging runners of all abilities.

At the cathedral service yesterday, many of those attending wore Blackburn Road Runners jerseys in tribute to their friend.

Effusive tributes were paid to Mr Boardman during the service, which was attended by more than 300 people.

Longstanding friend, Christine Melody, a former work colleague at Portland Conservatories, said: “He was unassuming, always helpful, kind and would do anything for you.

“Andrew was a delight to know, so kind and so giving.”

Sue Wolstenholme, chairman of the road runners said: “He was one of us, nothing was too much trouble for him.

“I’m sure everyone here has been encouraged and helped by him.

“He gave belief to those he talked to and was extremely popular.

“He paced six of his club mates to completing their first marathon in Liverpool only a few months ago after training with them weekly.”

Even in death he gave to others, his donated organs meaning the gift of life to five other people. The service heard he was a keen traveller, enjoyed other sports such as bowls and snooker and was a season ticket holder at Blackburn Rovers.

Club member John Clucas made reference to his wishes for organ donation and thanked his parents Bob and Jackie Boardman, for their ready consent at a time of deep distress.

After the service, they formed a guard of honour on both sides of the pathway all the way to Darwen Street as the funeral cortege passed.

Mr Boardman, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, worked as an architectural technician at Booth King Partnership in Ramsbottom.

He helped design buildings including the Barbara Castle Health Centre.