Hundreds of people are expected to gather at Hexham Abbey today to remember Coldstream Guardsman Liam Potts, a 22-year-old from Prudhoe who served with 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards.
The funeral service is due to begin at 11am. It will be followed by a private burial attended by invited family and friends.
Search for Liam Potts
Liam died last month, prompting an outpouring of support from across the North East and beyond. His body was recovered from the River Tyne near Wylam Bridge after a four-day search.
The search involved Northumbria Police, HM Coastguard, mountain rescue teams and volunteers. The operation brought together emergency responders and members of the public as efforts continued to locate the soldier.
Family tribute and fundraising appeal
In a tribute released through the Ministry of Defence, Liam’s father, Paul Potts, thanked the British Army, rescue volunteers and the wider community for their support.
He also praised Liam’s fellow Coldstream Guardsmen with the regiment’s motto, “Nulli Secundus”, meaning “second to none”.
A fundraising appeal launched by the Potts family for North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team has raised more than £27,000.
The funeral service at Hexham Abbey is expected to bring together members of Liam’s family, military colleagues and supporters from the wider North East, while the private burial will be attended by family and friends invited by the family.