Community in Downham Market joins together to celebrate life of 'superhero' Heather Bellamy
Dozens of people joined together on Wednesday to celebrate the life of Downham woman Heather Bellamy.
More than 100 mourners gathered at Rouse's Lane Cemetery for Heather's funeral, which marked the life of the "superhero" who died on August 3, aged 48, after almost five years of living with leukaemia.
At the burial, Heather's husband Max Lincoln said she had been a superhero most of her life, whether it was in her career as a nurse when she cared for people, or as a mother, guiding her children and "just being there" for them.
He said: "Her greatest power was that she brought the community together, not just Downham and West Norfolk, but beyond, in a way that no superhero – Batman, Spiderman, Captain Marvel or even Deadpool – could have."
"One of her favourite quotes was from her favourite film Top Gun, she used to change it slightly, but it was ‘I will go when I’m goddamn good and ready, you got that’, and that’s what she did," Max added.
From the brightly-coloured outfits of those who attended the funeral – Heather had stated she did not want people to wear black – to the VW camper van that led the procession, it was clear that this service was for a unique person, and this was reflected in what those closest to her said.
Alfie, one of Heather's sons, said his mum was a "truly inspiring woman who touched the hearts of so many in her lifetime".
He added: "She isn't gone – look among yourselves, she lives on in all of us, in our hearts and our minds.
"Always there if you need that little bit of hope. She’ll never be forgotten. Her legacy and courage will hopefully inspire more people to live a life like hers and overcome hurdles no matter the size."
A tribute from her sisters, Samantha and Dawn, gave a personal insight into Heather's life and they drew upon their memories of her as both a child and an adult.
They described her as an "amazing gymnast" who had a "real love for animals and loved gardening".
"It was clear from a young age that Heather had a huge heart and strong will," they added.
Samantha and Dawn said the date of the funeral marked 30 years to the day that Heather started her nurse training.
"She was a brilliant nurse, she had a genuine kindness and compassion for others," they said.
“Anyone who had the pleasure to meet Heather will know what a kind, strong, intelligent and genuine person Heather was. We feel honoured to be her sisters," they added.
Following the service, Lilly Young, one of Heather's daughters, and Max said the day had been a "true reflection" of Heather.
They said: "It was the way that it should have gone. Aside from the rain, it was pretty much perfect."
"Everyone's been laughing and joking, that's what she would have wanted," they added.