David Rathband Memorial Attended By Hundreds (PICTURES)

'A Celebration Of His Life': Pc David Rathband Remembered

Hundreds of people have gathered to honour the life of blinded Pc David Rathband at a cathedral service.

Among the mourners at St Nicholas' Cathedral, Newcastle, were policing minister Nick Herbert, actor Tim Healy and Northumbria Police chief constable Sue Sim.

The officer's children Mia, 13, and Ashley, 19, were seated at the front of the historic church.

Six pallbearers from the police, fire and ambulance service carried his coffin through the cathedral.

His twin Darren, who organised the service as a celebration of Pc Rathband's life, wept as he placed a hand on the coffin, which was draped in a union flag, covered with lilies and his police cap.

Orange flowers down the side of the vehicle spelt out Pc Rathband's call sign - Tango 190.

His brother was joined by Pc Rathband's children in front of the cathedral door.

He gave them words of comfort before they followed the coffin inside.

Darren Rathband, David's twin brother

Earlier this week his grieving twin broke down as he described how his brother had nobody there to help him in his "darkest moments."

His voice breaking with emotion, Darren Rathband said his brother, who was found hanged six days ago, was let down, explaining: "In his darkest moments there was nobody to help him."

He said the former officer found life "too hard" after he was blinded by Raoul Moat in July 2010 as he sat unarmed in a police patrol car.

Have you been affected by the issues in this story? In the UK, call The Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. For more support and advice, visit the website here.

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