AN old Runcorn soldier who died seven weeks ago is finally being laid to rest, thanks to veterans.

Ronald Davies, aged 82, has been lying in a morgue at Whiston Hospital since March 18, because his family couldn’t afford his funeral.

Burglars ransacked his Castlefields home days after he died, stealing his possessions, including all his photographs and leaving a trail of destruction.

His griefstricken son, Keith and daughter, Marie, were already struggling to pay his care home bill and couldn’t find anyone to help them pay for a hearse and cremation.

They bought a cardboard coffin on the internet and were planning a DIY funeral when veterans stepped in.

Their dad, who served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, will now be honoured by his military family.

Veterans have joined forces to pay for his funeral and vow to honour him at Walton Lea Crematorium at 3pm on Tuesday, May 12.

His coffin will be draped with the Union Jack, standard bearers will pay their respects and a bugler will play the last post.

His son, Keith, aged 52, from Castlefields, said: “It has been an absolute godsend.

“I have not been sleeping or eating, worrying about this.

“I went everywhere asking for help and all the doors were shut in my face.

“Then along came these veterans. They are like miracle workers.”

Chef and cleaner Keith and his sister have jobs but only earn the minimum wage.

Keith said: “I’ve worked as much as I can. I’ve wept and been on my knees praying for help.

“We tried to do our best and do the right thing.

“I really want to thank these veterans.

“It means so much to us for dad to have a proper funeral.”

Steve Hall of South Liverpool Veterans Association heard about their plight through one of Keith[s work colleagues.

He has organised the funeral and raised £800 towards the £1,200 cost with donations.

He said: “Keith was very emotional when I met him. I could see tears welling up in his eyes.

“It is heartbreaking.

“We just want to give this former soldier the honour and pride he deserves.”

Billy Jones, from Runcorn Veterans Association, helped to advise them after organising and funding a funeral for another Runcorn veteran in March.

Alan Mildren, aged 71, from Castlefields, who served in the Royal Artilery, died at Whiston Hospital in February, and had no living relatives.

Billy is now campaigning for all military personnel to be offered a free funeral.

He said: “All ex-service men and women who served and defended this country, whether they saw combat or not, should be given a free burial as a rite of passage.

“They should be buried with honour and dignity.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to Ronald’s funeral can email Steve Hall at steffhall61@hotmail.com and donate through paypal.