THRONES STAR’S FUNERAL
The funeral procession of Britain’s tallest man made its way through Durham city as its cathedral hosted a service for his loved ones.
The service for Game of Thrones star Neil Fingleton was held in Durham yesterday.
The actor died last month at the age of 36.
Neil, from Durham City, who stood just under 7ft 8in tall, is believed to have died from heart failure and passed away at his home.
The former American professional basketball player became a TV and film star and won a legion of fans for his portrayal of Mag the Mighty in the hit fantasy series.
He also appeared in movies X-Men: First Class and Avengers: Age of Ultron and as The Fisher King in Doctor Who.
Friends and family paid their respects at a service at Durham Cathedral at 2pm, followed by interment at Belmont Cemetery.
Hundreds of mourners were told during his service that Neil was a polite and gracious person who maintained his humility.
Neil made a success of his height twice over – firstly as a professional basketball player and then as an actor, coming to prominence as Mag the Mighty in the Game Of Thrones fantasy series.
Canon Alan Bartlett, from his local church in Gilesgate, Durham, gave an address, saying: "I don't remember Neil as a global star but as a politely spoken and gracious man who just happened to be a bit taller than most of us.
"He used that height to forge two successful careers.
"His mother Christine told me it could be a struggle for him at times, but through that struggle he maintained his humility."
His friend Phil Giarusso, who met him when he played basketball in the US, also paid tribute at the service, saying: "The value of a person's life is not in the things you accumulate, but the quality of your relationships, and Neil touched the lives of all of us."