Friends And Strangers Pay Last Respects To Homeless Ex-Serviceman

Hundreds of mourners turned up at a funeral at Anfield Crematorium last week to pay their respects to a homeless ex-soldier, Steve McGrath.

The congregation answered a ‘call to arms’ on Facebok that asked members of the public to attend and honour a man who had served his country to give him a fitting send-off.

The message, posted by fellow veteran from the King’s Regiment, Chris Bridson, read: “Don’t forget, Little Mac’s funeral on February 14. 15:20. I know, as you all do, it’s Valentine’s Day but what a day to remember attending a great Kingos funeral. You can still go out afterwards. As many as we can get, let’s do him proud Kingos. Thank you.”

Chris, who served in the King’s Regiment for nine years, said: “Steve was my best mate in the army. He was living on the streets, he had problems with drugs and alcohol. Just before he died he had come off the streets and was in a shelter, he was undergoing rehab treatment. One day they went in to get him up and he was dead in bed. He was only 56.”

He added, “He had a wife but she died. He also had two children but no one had heard anything from either of them for years. He was a really good fella. He was very funny.”

According to a report in the Liverpool Echo, the turn out was a true testament to the city and hundreds took to social media to praise Scousers on their big hearts and goodwill. Steven Ellis posted: “People across the country can slate Scousers and some do with no good reason. This sort of thing sets us apart from the rest. Respect to all the people who attended.”

Sharon Cowley also commented: “Made up to hear so many people turned up. Well done Liverpool once again scousers doing what they do best.R.I.P young man.x” While Syl Ramsden added: “Fantastic response and just what you would expect from the people of this great City.”

Friends, members of the Whitechapel Centre and others who did not know Steve but were touched by his story gathered at the crematorium to honour his “gentleman-like character” and “a well humoured man.”

Army standards featuring the King’s Regiment colours were carried by the mourners and a bugler played before mourners sung traditional regimental song ‘Kings are coming up the hill’.