THE community has bid a fond farewell to the third of a trio of sporting mates who conquered adversity to become national heroes.

Disabled athlete, committed charity fund-raiser and MBE award winner, Ray Gainer, died aged 41, a year after suffering kidney failure.

Ray, who grew up in Cherry Tree Grove in Leigh, never let his spina bifida stop him from doing anything and succeeded in living a highly active life. He was passionate about flying, as well as being one of the country's best disabled basketball and tennis players -- winning the French Open. He received an MBE for his charity and sports training work and the avid Manchester United supporter featured on TV's This Is Your Life.

Among those to say their final goodbyes at his funeral at Holy Family Church in Boothstown on Tuesday was Pauline Pyke from Hindsford, the widow of wheelchair champ and Ray's late, great, mate Mike Pyke.

Ray and Mike had been firm friends for years, having raised £11,000 together for Mere Oaks School in 1994, by pushing their wheelchairs 516 miles from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Blackpool Tower.

Former Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School pupil, Ray is the third disabled athlete to die in the Leigh area, following weight-lifter Mike's death in December 2001 and the loss of Tyldesley champion Dave Smith in the summer of 2000.

Pauline said: "Ray's wife, Gillian and I can't believe three good friends have died so close together, but it's nice to think they will all be back together again now. They all achieved a lot in their own ways and it is a great loss. I will miss Ray, and Mike and Dave. They were such good friends and are a tribute to all of us."

Ray was laid to rest with his parents Anita and Jimmy Gainer at Leigh Cemetery.