Hundreds join procession as fishing boat carries 22-year-old’s body to funeral service

Adam Brown. Pictures: Courtesy of Brown family (Image: Archant)

The body of 'lovable rogue' Adam Brown, who was just 22 when he died, was carried to the funeral service at the parish church in a fishing boat pulled by a tractor.

About 300 people attended today's service with about 100 friends and family members meeting up beforehand to walk in the procession from the White Horse pub to the church.

Members of Adam's family were in the boat as it wound its way through the town centre.

Poems written by the family were read out by church members at the service.

Family with 22-year-old Adam Brown's coffin in the fishing boat for his funeral at Cromer. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Adam's brother Shawnie's note said: 'I cannot believe you're gone. I never got a chance to say goodbye. I don't know if I will ever get better. You were my brother and I loved you like no other. I will never forget your soothing voice. I would take your place if I could.'

Tributes were also read out on behalf of Adam's partner, Annie, who is expecting their child, already named Eliza, in about seven weeks' time. She said: 'You were my best friend and soulmate. Our daughter will know growing up what a great man her daddy was.'

As the white coffin, which was covered in poems and messages, was carried out of the church, Tina Turner's Simply the Best was played, and many of the mourners clapped and sang along with it.

Adam, who took his own life on June 1, was happiest when he was out at sea with his fisherman father, Shawn Brown.

The order of service for 22-year-old Adam Brown's funeral. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Shawn and wife Emma Brown said their son had suffered from mental health problems from the age of 10 and had been sectioned at 14.

The family also includes sons Dominic, 27 and Shawnie, 20, and daughters Kelly, 28, and Caitlin, 14, who lives with her parents in Southrepps, near Cromer.

After the service, the family retired to Cromer Crematorium for the committal, which will be followed by the wake at the Rocket House Cafe from 5-9pm.