A DEDICATED firefighter who ‘always had a big smile’ was taken on his final journey as a hero.

Jonathan Hughes, aged 26, known as Jonni, lost his battle with an extremely rare form of non lymphoma blood cancer a week after marrying his longterm girlfriend, Natalie.

His brother Thomas had donated his stem cells for a bone marrow transplant but, sadly Jonni died on October 16.

His coffin, draped in the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service standard and his cap, was taken on a hydraulic platform and carried into St Michael's Catholic Church by red watch.

Firefighters formed a guard of honour beside his parents, Lynda and Allan, his brothers Thomas and William and sister, Suzanna.

His fire helmet was carried by red watch manager Jason Fletcher.

There was standing room only as around 700 people attended his requiem mass celebrated by Fr Matthew Nunes on Friday.

Crowds lined the streets as his cortege made its way to Widnes Cemetery.

Widnes fire station commander Tony O’Dwyer said: “Red watch were in close contact with Jonni and his family during his fight with cancer and rallied round helping where they could including holding a boxing fundraising event.

“The service are proud of their firefighters and the role they play in the community and we wanted to show how proud we were of Jonni.

“Jonni was a really lovely gentleman to be around.

“He joined the fire cadets when he was 12 and decided then that he wanted to be a firefighter.

“This is phenomenal. It takes a lot of commitment to be so dedicated at such a young age”

Jonni fulfilled his ambition at 18.

Red watch manager Jason Fletcher told mourners: “Jonni was an exceptional, passionate firefighter.

“He was never happier than when red watch were in the thick of it, saving lives and property.”

He recalled how Jonni and his team were awarded a star award for their courageous action rescuing a man from a flat fire in Widnes.

Cheshire Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock led a eulogy as relatives paid personal tributes and read poems.

Hundreds of messages have been left in a book of condolence.

Christopher Waterworth said: ‘The town of Widnes would like to thank you for your pride, passion and dedication towards keeping our community safe.’

Joe Conway added: ‘A true hero.’

Jonni’s family invited donations for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research and The Fire Fighters Charity.