Blackburn Rovers fan Stephen Coates's funeral procession was diverted for three miles past Ewood Park football ground to fulfill his dying wish.

Stephen, 26, who suffered from the muscle-wasting disease muscular dystrophy, died from pneumonia in Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

He was buried with his two Blackburn Rovers shirts and scarf and a wreath was designed in the colour of his favourite football team.

His wife, Elaine, of Lambeth Close, Blackburn said: "He was a really big Rovers supporter and hardly every missed a match in the last four years - even when he was ill. "He wanted the funeral procession to pass the ground and we went three miles out of our way to grant his wish."

Stephen, who was born in Belfast and moved to Accrington with his family when he was 11 months old, was told he would not be able to father a child.

But he defied the odds and the couple had a daughter Stephanie, who is now six.

Elaine added: "Doctors said it is very rare for people suffering from muscular dystrophy to father a child. But we managed to have Stephanie."

Stephen's funeral was held at St Joseph's Church, Audley, in Blackburn, before the procession to Rovers and then on to Pleasington Cemetery .

Stephen also leaves behind his parents Anne and John, sisters Diane and Susan and brother John, who all live in Accrington.

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