HUNDREDS of people turned out to pay tribute to a 21-yearold who lost his battle against two brain tumours.

It was standing room only as family and friends of brave Reece Hawley united at Basildon Crematorium to hear Reece’s father, Richard, speak about his “superhero” son.

He said: “It’s been a privilege and an honour to be your dad for the last 21 years. I will hold you in my dreams and thoughts forever.”

A procession with a horsedrawn carriage took Reece from his home in Clayhill Road, Basildon, to the crematorium, where those attending were asked to dress in bright colours.

After the service, 21 doves and hundreds of balloons were released into the autumn sky.

Richard relived one of his favourite memories of his son, when Reece jumped out on his parents dressed as Spider-Man.

Reece had bought the outfit to surprise his girlfriend, Chelsea Digby, who is a fan of the superhero.

Richard added: “You are my superhero.”

Reece passed away at St Luke’s Hospice, on Friday, October 17, the day after receiving his Early Years Education degree from South Essex College in a special ceremony at the hospice.

Reece arrived at the crematorium in a customised Star Wars coffin, with the words ‘Reece, may the force be forever with you’ inscribed down the side.

Chelsea also paid tribute to her boyfriend.

In her eulogy, she said: “You made me the happiest girl in the world. Standing by your side made me feel like I could fly.

“I love you with every piece of me and more. Not even death can break our love. Our love is unbroken.

This is not goodbye – I can’t wait to see you again.”

Then at her request, the John Legend song All of Me was played over loudspeaker as a chance for everyone to reflect on Reece’s life.

An emotional musical tribute was also paid by Reece’s mum Karen, alongside a slideshow of favourite pictures of Reece.

Reece’s brother Matt said of his sibling: “He was a brave, strong person – my best friend and role model.

“It makes me eternally proud to be his brother.”

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MONEY raised for Reece’s treatment will be put into a foundation – as was Reece’s final wish.

Family, friends and strangers from across the world raised more than £74,000 so the former Woodlands School pupil could use the cancer drug Avastin. The drug costs £6,800 for a three-week course.

Reece, 21, had bleeding on the brain in May last year, caused by a tangle of blood vessels called arteriovenous malformation.

After undergoing six weeks of daily radiotherapy and chemotherapy, his family thought he was on the mend.

But on the day he was discharged, they were given the news doctors had found two tumours.

It was then consultants recommended the drug, but it isn’t available on the NHS.

Tragically, Reece began the treatment last month and while scans showed the drug was shrinking the tumours, the cancer was too aggressive.

He moved to St Luke’s Hospice on Saturday, October 4.

Fundraising initiatives that were planned before Reece’s death will continue as planned, including his aunt Jacqui Marable, 48, from Canvey, taking part in a bungee jump this month.