Mullion Methodist Church was full and overflowing for the funeral service for Joe Bennetts, who died |on December 21 at the Royal Cornwall Hospital aged 20 years.

The service was conducted by the Rev Steve Swann, the organist Peter Townsend and memories of Joe were given by Hayley.

Joe was born on October 10, 1994, six weeks prematurely at the Royal Cornwall Hospital and he lived with his mum in Mullion.

At the age of two, after many tests Joe was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a cruel degenerative condition. 

Joe bravely went off to school at the age of four, a daily bus journey to Nancealverne, Penzance, remaining there until he was 17. Joe joined in all school activities with determination, independence and great courage, never once allowing his disability to get in the way of his achievements and enjoying life.

Joe’s dream was to become a football manager; Nancealverne had a school team that Joe managed with great pride and success.

Joe enjoyed a huge achievement in 2011, taking part in the Ten-Tors challenge which was physically and mentally gruelling, however with his amazing strength of character and spirit he completed the challenge and reached the finish post.

In earlier, more able days Joe enjoyed time on his dad’s farm with his quad bike, tractor rides and riding his pony. He loved meeting the visitors on the farm camp site and made many special friends. 

Joe showed tremendous zest for life, loving his trips out to the country shows, cinema, theatre, quiz nights at the Mounts Bay and Old Inn, weekly meetings with the lads in Truro and Falmouth and eating out, particularly enjoying his favourite prawns, crab and lobster.

More recently he enjoyed Chloe’s 18th birthday, wheelchair dancing the night away and joining in the atmosphere at a Madness concert.

Joe enjoyed his trips to Euro Disney, he loved to meet all the characters, always forward planning their next trip. 

Joe, with his cheeky smile, amazing sense of humour and kindness, loved being with people whatever their age, enjoying a banter, and his sincerity for Poppy Day and remembering brave people was beyond his years.

Joe was bright, sharply observant with a fantastic sense of direction helping out on many journeys. He had such an appreciation for nice things. 

He loved his music, Playstation, James Bond films and with his great knowledge and passion for football was an ardent Plymouth Argyle and Manchester United fan, attending as many Plymouth Argyle games as possible. At times having to return home before kickoff due to his ill health, loyal to the end, Joe would wait for the results on the television that evening and always be looking forward to the next game. 

Joe left school; he was at home due to commence a football coaching course. His life was enriched by his dog which Joe named Rooney; the pair had a terrific bond, Rooney never leaving Joe’s side.

With the use of special medical equipment, medication, daily exercises and hospital appointments Joe courageously faced each day with dignity and strength never ever questioning “why me?” Joe frequently asked “would I have made a good soldier, driver and football manager” and similar roles to which could only be answered that he could be whatever he wanted to be with his tremendous positivity, courage, drive and ambition.

Joe is so loved and painfully missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, such a character. 
Joe’s determination, love and cheeky smile will be forever with us. 

The chosen bearers Stuart Bleazard, Robbie Bray, David Humberstone, Rob Smith, Josh Walker and Craig Williams. 

Family mourners were Denise Bray (mum), Bruce Bennetts (dad), Jacqui George (dad’s partner), Rosie Bennetts (sister), Thomas Bennetts (brother), granny and granddad, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations were for Dogs for the Disabled and Mullion Health Centre.