M27: Mourners turn out for funeral of hero Dave Nutter

A large number of mourners turned out for the funeral of former chief petty officer Dave Nutter, 63, who was travelling along the M27 near Fareham when he was suddenly taken ill.

Despite the pain he managed to steer the car to safety, averting an accident and leaving nine-year-old Tristin unscathed.

But he died at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, on July 18, leaving his friends and family devastated.

READ MORE: Fareham man who saved grandson’s life gets ‘hero's’ send off

Dave's funeral at Portchester Crematorium was not a religious service and was performed by a celebrant, Jo Saunders.

Describing him as a true-life hero she said: "He not only prevented a major catastrophe on the roads, he got his grandson to safety. A hero in death as he was in life."

Dave, of Fareham, was a "massive" Monty Python fan who also loved rugby.

The hearse is preceded by two standard bearers as it enters the crematorium grounds (Image: Newsquest.)

During the one-hour service his two grandsons, Tristin and five-year-old Archie, were invited to step forward and were presented with two rugby balls "to remember Grandad always".

The two boys were given a round of applause as they returned to their seats.

Following the presentation a selection of photographs taken at various stages in Dave's life were projected onto two screens either side of his coffin.

Dave's coffin is taken South Chapel (Image: Newsquest.)

Jo praised his "amazing" sense of humour, adding: "He was kind and caring. He found the strength to keep everyone safe, especially his grandson Tristin."

Family members at the funeral included Dave's widow Carole, his daughter, Kathryn Jenvey-Vallender, and his sons, Simon Nutter and Mark Whitear.

Dave and Carole met on a blind date organised by a mutual friend. They got engaged three months later and were married in 1986.

Simon said: "He was the most kind, caring, thoughtful, loving man who always put everyone else before himself. He was an incredible man and an amazing friend."

The service was held at Portchester Crematorium (Image: Newsquest.)

Kathryn fought back tears as she paid tribute to someone she described as "one of a kind".

She said: "He loved everyone and there are no words to explain the hole he has left. My favourite memory of him is watching him go from being a dad to being a grandad."

The hearse was escorted by a group of motorcyclists as it travelled to the crematorium.

Celebrant Jo Sanders with standard bearers Nick Checketts,left, and Clive Sutton (Image: Newsquest.)

As it made its way to South Chapel it was preceded by two standard bearers, Nick Checketts from the Royal British Legion and Clive Sutton from the Royal Naval Association.

Dave's coffin was covered by a navy flag, the White Ensign, and his naval cap was placed on the top.