Wearing red, they said a final farewell to a brave teenager who fought until the very end

All wearing red, the loved ones of a brave teenager who died three days before Christmas have said their emotional and final goodbyes.

Rhys Williams, from Bolton, died aged 18 last month, having exceeded doctors' prognosis by eight years, following his challenging journey with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and bout of sepsis and pneumonia.

The courageous teenager had been born with the rare skin condition that caused agonising sores over his body. His parents were told when he was a baby that he might not even make it to double figures - but he fought and fought to reach adulthood.

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Heartbreakingly, he planned his own funeral at just 13-years-old. He told his mum Tanya he was "ready for the butterflies to take him away" and wanted to be cremated alongside his beloved Liverpool FC kit, XBox games and his favourite chocolates.

Shortly after turning 18 last September, Rhys developed sepsis and pneumonia. Doctors said there was nothing more they could do and his treatment was stopped before he was moved to a hospice.

Ever since he was 13, Tanya was making notes on her phone of what Rhys wanted at his funeral. And, on Wednesday (January 17) his final wishes were granted, as his loved ones embraced one another outside Bolton Parish Church, all adorning the red football kit of his favourite team, Liverpool FC.

His mum Tanya, 40, ensured every one of Rhys' final requests were met, including a Liverpool FC hearse followed by a procession of vehicles, including motorbikes and supercars. The vehicles made the journey from the family home to Bolton Parish Church.

After lining the streets and holding one another, hundreds then filled the church for the memorial service