Hundreds of mourners, including legendary Manchester United figures, packed into St Peter's Church in Prestbury to say goodbye to Alex Hughes, son of former Old Trafford great Mark, after his death at the age of 38. Sir Alex Ferguson, Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs were among those in attendance, while Grimsby Town boss David Artell led a delegation from the Mariners, where Alex was working as player recruitment lead before he died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 19. Other football attendees included Martin Keown and Jon Walters.
Funeral service in Prestbury
On a sunny day in the Cheshire village that has played a big part in the life of the Hughes family since Mark returned from Barcelona in 1988, the former United striker carried the coffin of his son into church along with other family members, including Alex's brother Curtis and his father-in-law, David Pollock, who delivered an emotional eulogy. Walking a step behind was Alex's wife Jess, his childhood sweetheart since the pair met at Cheadle Hulme High School 21 years ago. They had married in this same church. Either side of Jess were the couple's two young children, Sebastian and Leonardo.
Eulogy highlights Alex's pride in his children
During his eulogy, David spoke about how the two children, both talented sportsmen, had started pointing to the skies after scoring goals, and talked about Alex's pride in his boys. "He's so proud of your determination, he's so proud of your passion," he said. "He will always be watching you in spirit, watching you score goals, watching you make tackles with every game. And when you look up and do your celebrations, which I know you've been doing already, he'll be watching over you, high in the sky."
Brother Curtis delivers moving tribute
Earlier in the service, Alex's brother, Curtis, wearing sunglasses as he tried to hold back tears, delivered a moving tribute to his brother, recalling how they had been best men at each other's weddings. "Being best man wasn't something Alex did for a day; it was who he was," said Curtis. "Some people fill a room with noise, Alex filled it with warmth, loyalty and kindness. To Xenna [Alex and Curtis's sister] and me, he was our annoying older brother."
"People often look for signs when they lose someone, something to tell them they're still around. I was lucky enough to have mine. Just two days after we said goodbye to Alex, I was trying to distract myself with work when a bee decided to fly straight into me. In that moment, I just knew it was Alex doing his best to annoy me just another time."
Addressing the sizeable congregation, with every pew filled in the village church, but with a message to Alex's two children, Curtis said: "Some of the people here you know well, some you may never have met before. But every single person here is here because your dad touched their life in some way. And while they're here because of him, they will stay here for you. They all carry a piece of your dad's heart, and they'll help you carry it through the days, weeks and years ahead."
Alex's football career and passions
Alex had been born in Wrexham while Mark was playing in Barcelona, with mum Jill flying back a few weeks before the due date to ensure he was born in Wales. He had brief spells as a footballer for Stockport and Wrexham, but continued his career in the game, beginning by working with his dad at Blackburn as a performance analyst in 2007. "His true sporting passion, as we all well know, was football," said David. "He loved everything football. A lifetime of football. As a toddler, he'd go to sleep holding his football. He loved playing football, he loved talking football, he loved coaching football. His knowledge and understanding of football was amazing. He loved working in football. He loved how his career was developing. He loved all the clubs he represented, and it's nice to see so many of you here today."
"He loved his time at Grimsby. Alex was excited about all the new players that had come for the season ahead. Grimsby are dedicating their first game of the season to Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner." He and the boys have shirts from every club that Alex and Mark represented. Alex particularly loved working with his dad. When people asked Alex who he supported, expecting him to say his true love, Manchester United, no, he always said the same thing, "I support my dad."
Private tribute from Mark and messages from children
Mark delivered a private tribute at the committal, but David read out messages and tributes from loved ones at the end of his eulogy, including one from Mark and Jill: "Alex, thank you for giving us the privilege of being your mum and dad. Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, every precious memory. You were, and always will be, our perfect son. We love you beyond words. We always have and we always will. Mum and Dad." There were also messages from Alex's children, Seb and Leo, which David read out. Leo's said: "To my daddy, you are amazing at everything. You did everything right. Love you so much. Leo." Seb's said: "My dad was the best dad I could ever wish for. I miss him so much, as well as his funny jokes. Love you so much, and I will never forget you."
