Hundreds pay their respects to tragic marathon girl Claire
Claire Squires.
INSPIRATIONAL marathon runner Claire Squires was laid to rest in a ceremony attended by more than 600 mourners in North Kilworth yesterday (Wednesday).
Claire (30), who died when she collapsed about a mile from the finish line of the London Marathon on Sunday, April 22, had been buried earlier in the day in a private ceremony attended by some family members and her partner Simon van Herrewege.
She was buried next to her brother Grant Squires, who died in 2001 at the age of just 25.
Friends and family paid tribute to bubbly Claire – sometimes tearfully – during the 50-minute service.
Mourners attending St Andrew’s Church wore splashes of red, Claire’s favourite colour, and red wristbands were also given out in exchange for a donation to county-based Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
Songs including Robbie Williams’ Angels and Buddy Holly’s Everyday were played on speakers set-up in the church grounds as Claire’s friends arrived.
So many mourners attended that hundreds had to stand outside the church and listen to the service broadcast through the same speakers.
Claire’s sister Penny was one of those who spoke, recounting a number of amusing tales including one when Claire drove the wrong way through a McDonald’s drive-thru before flashing the driver coming the other way ‘a dazzling smile’ which made him reverse to let Claire pass.
She added: “When you were with Claire you always felt a million dollars.
“She has become the nation’s sweetheart and I am so proud to call her my sister.”
Claire’s boyfriend Simon also spoke, saying he and Claire’s family had found the generosity of those who have helped raise more than £1 million for the Samaritans in her memory ‘mind-blowing’.
He added: “Claire had so much energy and she always channelled it into being positive.
“My tribute to her is to try and always be positive just like she was.”
After the service, mourners exited the church and grounds to The Carpenters’ Top of the World.
Speaking outside the church, Samaritans’ chief executive Catherine Johnstone said: “The number of family and friends here today is testament to the wonderful woman Claire was.
“We offer a heartfelt thanks to those who have donated to Samaritans in Claire’s memory. I know the family have taken warmth and comfort from the incredible supportive reaction.”
The service was led by the Rev Emma Davies, parish vicar, and pastor Johnny Hutton, of Arnesby Baptist Church.
Mr Hutton said: “I think the family wanted it to come over in the service that Claire was full of life and it was a celebration of her life.”
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Weather for Market Harborough
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
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