MORE than 350 people turned out to pay their respects to a "happy-go-lucky" Alcester man who died aged 20 of cystic fibrosis.

St Nicholas' Church was packed for the funeral of Andrew Wade, of Fairwater Crescent, last Thursday, said his father Don.

And a number of youngsters arrived at St Nicholas' Church wearing Tottenham Hotspur shirts in recognition of Andrew's favourite team.

Among those attending were Andrew's colleagues at KD Electrical, who closed the Arden Forest engineering factory for the day as a mark of respect.

Mr Wade said Andrew started an engineering apprenticeship at the factory soon after leaving Alcester High School, but his deteriorating health meant he was unable to complete the course.

However, his bosses were so impressed they employed him in their offices and Andrew thoroughly enjoyed his work.

In his spare time, Andrew played football for Alcester FC and never missed a game or training session.

"He was so energetic and enthusiastic that most people didn't even realise he was ill," said Mr Wade.

"He always put 100 per cent into everything he did and never stopped to feel sorry for himself but just kept on doing the things he loved."

He added: "Despite his illness, Andrew was the happy-go-lucky member of the family and it was impossible to feel down-hearted when he was around."

Andrew was devoted to his 23-year-old sister Amy, who also has cystic fibrosis, and was hoping to raise money for new medical equipment at Birmingham's Heartlands Hospital where they were treated.

Mr Wade said towards the end of his life Andrew depended on a wheelchair but enjoyed driving around in a car that was "his pride and joy."

"His car gave him the independence he needed and he loved nothing more than to take himself off to see friends or to explore a different city," he said.

He added Andrew travelled up to Manchester on a number of occasions to see his all-time boxing hero, Ricky Hatton.

"Andrew was always rushing around, even as a little boy, but seemed to find time to touch the hearts of everyone he met," he said.

Money donated at Andrew's funeral will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at the Heartlands Hospital. One of his final wishes was to buy an oxygen saturation machine for the hospital.

Mr Wade added: "We would like to thank everyone who has so generously given to help this wish come true. We are delighted to say that the £3,100 has been raised. We also want to thank all our family and friends for the overwhelming amount of love and support we have received."