Over £30k raised for Great Harwood man Simon Lingard who died fighting in Ukraine as funeral details released

38-year-old Simon Lingard, from Great Harwood, “died fighting for what he believed in” on Monday, November 7, his loved ones said.

The Foreign Office also confirmed it was supporting the family of a British national who died in the war-torn country.

His family later set up a fundraising page asking for support to give him “the greatest well deserved send-off”.

The fundraiser subsequently raised an astonishing £31,979, prompting his family to thank the public for their amazing support.

Simon’s ex-wife Stacey Longworth, from Blackburn, said: “I just want to let everyone know how grateful me and the children are for all the donations and being able to give Simon the send off he deserves.

“Simon had such a unique personality, he helped so many people.

“Simon served as a paratrooper for many years and we are so proud of him and all he achieved.

“It is absolutely heart-breaking to know that we won't ever see him again, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever.”

When will his funeral take place?

Those wishing to pay their respects to Simon have been asked to attend the funeral service.

It will take place at St Bartholomew’s church in Great Harwood at 1pm on Friday, December 16.

This will be followed by a funeral reception at Rendezvous Nightclub, also known as Rios, in Whalley at around 4pm.

“Simon deserves the best and I am just so happy that we can give it to him,” Stacey added.