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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Benjamin Roberts-Haslam

Mourners gather to bid farewell to 'heroic' 21 year old

Mourners gathered today to say their final farewells to a "heroic" 21-year-old.

People attended West Lancashire Cemetery & Crematorium at 1pm for the funeral of Owen Copland following his death on Christmas Day.

Owen had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive tumour on his brain, after his diagnosis at the end of 2020.

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Despite the severity of his condition, the Liverpool John Moores University graduate continued to battle against the disease even after being told he had just days to live in March 2021.

The funeral of Owen Copland at West Lancashire Crematorium today (Liverpool Echo)

Owen, from Maghull, was left bed-bound but with the encouragement and help of Alex Ivanoff, owner of Anytime Fitness, Owen was able to make progress in the Autumn of last year.

Thanks to the gym owner, Owen was able to get out and about, enjoying days out after having regular physio sessions from trainers supplied by the gym.

As well as helping with Owen's fitness, Alex took to one of his treadmills at the gym for 24-hours, raising thousands for Owen.

Following the news of Owen's death, the former marine released a video on social media.

He said: "This video is to inform you all that we had the very sad news over Christmas that Owen, who you know that I was working closely with, lost his battle with his brain tumour on Christmas Day.

Owen Copland and Alex Ivanoff (Jane Copland)

"It's extremely sad and he was incredibly brave. He did his best to work through his illness. He was one of the bravest men I've ever met and it was an honour to know him. At this time please send out your best wishes and your love to Gill, Jane, John and Pete who have lost Owen.

"Thank you for all your support and all your help in raising as much money as we did. Life can hit you quite hard. If you could send some best wishes and love that would be great.

"Thanks again for all your support and it was incredible to see the community coming together and everything that we did. Thank you for everything we did. We're sending our love to you Gill and Jane. We love you very much and we're very sorry."

People attending today's service came wearing yellow, the colour of Owen's campaign which involved his sister, Jane, and mum, Gill, giving regular updates of Owen's progress to the thousands that tuned in.

The funeral of Owen Copland at West Lancashire Crematorium today (Liverpool Echo)

Owen touched thousands of lives, defying the odds regularly and providing hope for many.

Jane and Gill both shared their memories of their brother and son, with people watching inside and outside the chapel, as well as online via a live stream.

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