An overwhelming turnout gathered in Sydney today to farewell legendary journalist Rebecca Wilson

An overwhelming turnout gathered in Sydney today to farewell the extraordinary life of Rebecca Wilson, an award-winning journalist praised for her honesty and courage.

The sports journalist died on October 7 in her family home at the age of 54 after a long and private battle with breast cancer.

Wilson's funeral commenced at 1.45pm on Friday at Sydney's St Andrews Cathedral.

Her husband John Hartigan and sons Tom and Will released a joint statement paying tribute to their courageous mum and wife.

"Courage has always been a significant part of her DNA, no less in her desperate battle against her insidious disease," the family said.

"Rebecca kept knowledge of her illness a closely guarded secret.

"The majority of her friends, colleagues and indeed members of her family were unaware of the extent of her illness.

"She did so to limit their suffering."

The family said Wilson was a fearless sports journalist who made them proud.

"She brushed aside evil trolls, bullies and organised crime figures to prosecute her craft."

"She proved that women had an equally important role in sports journalism as her male counterparts."

Former colleagues, celebrities and sports stars paid tribute on social media to Wilson, whose career in the newspaper and television industry spanned more than 20 years.

Her considerable influence was clear to see by the amount of heartfelt tributes sent in her memory.