Family, friends, fellow soldiers and members of the wider community gathered at Hexham Abbey this morning as the funeral of Coldstream Guardsman Liam Potts began. The 11am service was held for the 22-year-old Prudhoe man, whose death prompted an outpouring of support across the region.
Mourners arrived outside the abbey to pay their respects before members of the Coldstream Guards carried Liam’s Union Jack-draped coffin into the building. Liam served as a Lance Corporal with 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards.
A community farewell at Hexham Abbey
The funeral brought together Liam’s family, military colleagues, friends and people from the wider community. His death had also prompted tributes from those who knew him through football, as well as continued support for his family and for the rescue teams involved in the search for him.
Liam’s funeral came weeks after his body was recovered from the River Tyne near Wylam Bridge. His recovery followed a four-day search involving Northumbria Police, HM Coastguard, mountain rescue teams and volunteers.
In a tribute released through the Ministry of Defence after Liam’s death, his father, Paul Potts, thanked the British Army, rescue volunteers and the wider community for their support. He also offered particular thanks to Liam’s fellow Coldstream Guards and to the rescue teams involved in the operation.
“There are lots of wonderful things being said about our son, which has genuinely touched our hearts.”
Paul Potts said the family had been deeply moved by the kindness and help they received. He also described the work of the rescue volunteers and professionals as being carried out with dignity and to a world-class standard.
Tributes from football and fundraising support
Tributes have continued from people who knew Liam through football. Stocksfield Football Club said those who coached him, played alongside him and knew him through the sport would remember him as “a brilliant young lad and a great teammate”.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends and everyone who loved him as they say goodbye. Once a Griffin, always a Griffin. Rest in peace, Liam.”
The club’s reference to a “Griffin” reflects Liam’s connection with Stocksfield Football Club, where he was remembered by teammates and coaches.
Support for the family and the search-and-rescue organisations has also continued through fundraising. An appeal launched by the Potts family for North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team had raised more than £27,000, according to the report.
Donations can be made through the family’s GoFundMe appeal, which supports the two mountain rescue teams involved in the response.