Mourners remember M9 crash victim Lamara Bell

The funeral of M9 crash Lamara Bell, at Camelon Cemetery, Falkirk. Picture: Hemedia

Family and friends of a “beautiful, determined and unique” woman who died in the M9 tragedy said their final farewells yesterday.

Almost 200 people packed out Falkirk Crematorium for the funeral of Lamara Bell, 25.

The mother-of-two lay injured for around 72 hours following a car accident on the M9 in Stirlingshire and later died in hospital.

Her partner John Yuill, 28, was killed in the 5 July crash which was reported to police that day but not followed up at the time.

A hearse carrying the coffin of Lamara Bell arrives at Falkirk Crematorium for her funeral. Picture: PA

The humanist ceremony led by Marjory McGee reflected on Ms Bell’s life, including her parents’ memories of her childhood.

Ms McGee said: “For family and friends who knew Lamara she will live on in your hearts. Hold fast to the memories of happy times, of the funny and determined young girl whose heart was full of wonder and innocence, of the young mum, for whom life wasn’t always easy, but who did all she could to love and to have fun with her children.

“Remember the unique and special character she was, and hold her in your hearts forever.”

Many people were overcome with emotion as they arrived for the service, and it was standing room only in the crematorium as the song Hold Back the River was played.

Ms McGee told those gathered that the service was a chance to “remember, pay tribute to and celebrate the life of this vibrant and spirited young woman”.

Ms Bell was described as determined and carefree during her childhood – “a typical wee girl full of innocence and wonder”. She loved the music of Peter Andre and was fascinated by the night stars. Her favourite television programme was The Sky at Night.

She gave birth to her daughter Alysha in 2006 and then to her son Liam four years later.

Mourners heard she was a young mother “in heart and spirit” who enjoyed having fun with her children by singing karaoke, playing games and telling stories.

A period of reflection was held during which Ian Van Dahl’s Castles in the Sky was played.

Ms McGee added: “Today we have remembered the life of Lamara, a young woman who left us too soon and in doing so left her family heartbroken.

“However it is important to remember if you can at this sad time the beautiful, determined and unique woman she was – the girl you all knew and loved.”

The service finished with the song Goodbye by the Spice Girls.

Ms Bell’s family, including her parents Andrew and Diane, brothers Martin and Liam, and daughter Alysha followed as her coffin was taken to the burial ground for committal. Four doves were released as she was laid to rest.

Ms McGee added that the family wanted to thank people for the “overwhelming” messages of condolence they have received.

Members of Mr Yuill’s family were also in attendance.

Tributes were paid to him at his funeral in Falkirk on Thursday, where relatives described him as a ‘’great gift’’ to the family.

In a message to Ms Bell’s loved ones, they said: ‘’We would like to extend our sympathies and support to the Bell family as they lay their daughter, sister and mother to rest.”

Ms Bell’s parents said: “We as a family miss our daughter each new day. In the early morning our hearts shatter into a million pieces.”