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WW2 soldier who died alone to get military style funeral WW2 soldier who died alone to get military style funeral
(35 minutes later)
The funeral of a soldier who served in World War Two and outlived his family is to take place with military pomp after appeals on social media.The funeral of a soldier who served in World War Two and outlived his family is to take place with military pomp after appeals on social media.
Stewart Cooney, 95, served with the Royal Artillery and died in a care home in Leeds with no family.Stewart Cooney, 95, served with the Royal Artillery and died in a care home in Leeds with no family.
His funeral will see Royal British Legion standard bearers, a piper and soldiers from his old regiment attend. More than 100 people are due to attend his funeral including Royal British Legion standard bearers, a piper and soldiers from his old regiment.
Martyn Simpson, one of the event's organisers, said: "We never let a brother go alone." One organiser Martyn Simpson said: "We never let a brother go alone."
'Old soldier''Old soldier'
Other mourners are to include Territorial Army soldiers, a motorbike escort from the Royal British Legion Riders and members of the public, he said.Other mourners are to include Territorial Army soldiers, a motorbike escort from the Royal British Legion Riders and members of the public, he said.
Mr Simpson, who served in the RAF and is a Royal British Legion standard bearer, said having seen the online appeals he also helped spread the word and had been amazed by the response.Mr Simpson, who served in the RAF and is a Royal British Legion standard bearer, said having seen the online appeals he also helped spread the word and had been amazed by the response.
"It's a marvellous thing, I feel quite emotional, he served in World War Two and I don't know his history but anybody who served deserves this", he said. "It's a marvellous thing, I feel quite emotional, he served in World War Two and I don't know his history but anybody who served deserves this," he said.
Who was Stewart Cooney?Who was Stewart Cooney?
Dougie Eastwood, who works for the company that runs Colton Lodges in which Mr Cooney died, started the appeal after he noticed Royal Artillery insignia in Mr Cooney's room.Dougie Eastwood, who works for the company that runs Colton Lodges in which Mr Cooney died, started the appeal after he noticed Royal Artillery insignia in Mr Cooney's room.
"He outlived his wife and son and died with no family so I got in touch with 269 Royal Artillery based in Leeds and it just went viral". Mr Eastwood, who also served in the Royal Artillery for 25 years, said: "He outlived his wife and son and died with no family so I got in touch with 269 Royal Artillery based in Leeds and it just went viral.
"I couldn't see his funeral only attended by a couple of care workers, a social worker and a priest." "I couldn't see his funeral only attended by a couple of care workers, a social worker and a priest.
"I'm quite happy he'll go the way an old soldier like him should do.""I'm quite happy he'll go the way an old soldier like him should do."
Mr Eastwood also served in the Royal Artillery for 25 years.
The Yorkshire Evening Post also appealed for mourners to attend the funeral.The Yorkshire Evening Post also appealed for mourners to attend the funeral.
Lynda Gomersall offered her services after seeing the appeal on Facebook. She spoke to Mr Cooney's carers and looked through old records to write the eulogy.
"I don't think anybody should go without recognition, especially soldiers," she said.
It is thought Mr Cooney served in several theatres of war, including service in Malaysia.It is thought Mr Cooney served in several theatres of war, including service in Malaysia.
The service is to be at Rawdon Crematorium at 12.20 BST followed by burial at Pudsey Cemetery.The service is to be at Rawdon Crematorium at 12.20 BST followed by burial at Pudsey Cemetery.
Ms Gomersall added: "Stewart was keen on music and he will leave the crematorium to Frank Sinatra's My Way, as he knew all the words."