The funeral of James Henderson, the Penryn aid worker killed in Gaza in April, will take place at Truro Cathedral at noon on Wednesday, May 22.  

Former Royal Marine James, 33, was one of seven who died following an airstrike on a humanitarian food convoy in Gaza on April 1.

His family have extended an invitation to anyone wishing to pay their respects at the service.

Alternatively, well-wishers are welcome to line the streets between Boscawen Street and High Cross. The cortège will travel down Lemon Street at roughly 11.35am.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to World Central Kitchen on the day or care of Penryn & Falmouth Funeral Directors.

In a statement released via Devon and Cornwall Police, the Henderson family – including Jim’s fiancée, Jacqui – said: “It’s not the size of the candle but the brightness of its flame that counts, and this couldn’t be truer than when we think about Jim.

“While he was taken from us far too soon, and with so much more to achieve in his life, we gain comfort in knowing that he lived every minute of his time on earth, to the fullest extent.

“The thousands of messages we have received from all parts of the globe bear testament to what we already know, and had the privilege of witnessing daily, at close quarters.

“As a boy, Jim embraced his time at school and was passionate about sport, in particular rugby. That passion never left him.

“As he grew into the incredible man he became, he followed his dreams by joining the Royal Marines and saw front-line action in Afghanistan. Never one to sit still, as new opportunities came his way, he took hold of each one, and approached it with his trademark enthusiasm.

“Whether it was children starting out in rugby or boxing, or those less fortunate than he was, it was people who drove Jim to want to do more, and be better. It was this drive that took him to Gaza in support of World Central Kitchen, and those so badly affected by the conflict in the region.

“While we will never comprehend his loss, we know that he died doing something that mattered to him; he was making a difference and for that, at least, we are grateful.

“‘Proud’ does not come close to expressing how we all feel for what Jim achieved, and we know would have gone to achieve. While mourning his loss … we also reflect on his legacy and the many people who will continue to benefit from what he started.

“We love him. We miss him. We celebrate his achievements. We know that his flame will continue to burn brightly in each and every one of us as we look to a future without his larger-than-life presence in it.”