BLACKBURN said goodbye to ‘a hero’ yesterday as the life of tragic Army recruit Megan Park was celebrated.

Megan, 21, from Livesey, collapsed and could not be revived during one of her first training exercises at Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey, on September 16.

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She had only started her basic training two days earlier.

Hundreds attended Pleasington Crematorium to bid farewell to Megan, who had “realised a life’s ambition” when joining the military.

Members of 1st Training Regiment, who served alongside Megan, wore dress uniform and formed the coffin bearing party as the cortege reached the chapel in silence.

Her coffin was draped in the Union flag and the hearse was adorned with a floral tribute bearing her family nickname ‘Meggie-Moo’.

The cortege was flanked and escorted by two police motorcyclists as Lancashire Constabulary also paid tribute to the former Witton Park Academy pupil.

Members of Megan’s family wore bright clothing to reflect her “lively sense of humour, her fun sarcasm and quirky personality”.

The service included some of the young woman’s favourite music with Beautiful by Christina Aguilera and songs by Pink and Justin Bieber also played.

Army Padre Simon Bloxam-Rose conducted the service. He said: “To see Megan’s Army comrades dressed in uniform, so many of her pals from the town and other neighbours and friends shows how many lives this young lady touched.”

A family message to mourners from Megan’s mum, Catriona and her sisters was given to those attending. It read: “Catriona, Briony, Kayleigh and all the family would like to thank you for attending today. A big thank-you for all your kind thoughts and messages of sympathy.”

Speaking previously, a family statement spoke of Megan’s overwhelming desire and the hard work and determination she put in to join the Army.

It said: “Ever since Megan was at school, she always wanted to be in the armed forces.

“Everybody who knew Megan was aware of this.

“She was so excited about going, it was the start of her dream job.

“Megan is going to be missed by so many people, friends and colleagues.

“Although she will be deeply missed her presence will always be alive.

“Megan will always go on in people’s memories.”