Caroline Flack's mother shares details of presenter's private funeral
As Caroline Flack's mother Chris shares details of her funeral, Lewis Burton says he wants to make the presenter proud.
Monday 16 March 2020 18:14, UK
Caroline Flack's mother Chris has shared details of her daughter's funeral and says the woodland wake was a mobile-free event.
A private funeral took place in Caroline's home county Norfolk on 10 March, attended by around 200 guests.
The former Love Island presenter was found dead in her east London flat on 15 February after she took her own life aged just 40.
In an interview with her local paper, The Eastern Daily Press, her mother, Chris said the two-hour service at Greenacres at Colney on the edge of Norwich had "lots of memories, smiles but mostly tears".
She thanked all the people who had "travelled from all over the world" to pay their respects.
She said: "Friends included all the old pals she had either worked alongside or presented with on Fash FC, I'm A Celebrity, Xtra Factor, Love Island, friends old and new from the world of Strictly, the Bake Off and many many more."
She went on: "Her friends from schooldays, college days and present day also gathered to exchange stories and pay tributes to my beautiful girl."
In line with the family's wishes, no photos of the funeral were shared on social media, either during or after the event.
X Factor contestant Lucie Jones performed live during the ceremony, singing a track from the musical Waitress and a song written for Caroline by one of her close friends.
Flack's mother described the woodland hall where the event took place as being "full of flowers".
Flack left behind her twin sister Jody, elder brother Paul, elder sister Elizabeth and her parents Ian and Christine.
The family wore T-shirts designed by comedian and friend of Flack Keith Lemon to raise money for mental health charity the Samaritans.
It is the second time Flack's family have spoken publicly since her death.
In February they released an unpublished Instagram statement written by the presenter, but which she had been advised not to share.
In it she explained how she felt she had lost her career, her home, her life and the life of her family.
Meanwhile, Flack's boyfriend Lewis Burton paid tribute to the presenter a month after her death, saying her loss "doesn't seem real".
The former tennis player posted a photo of the pair writing: "It's already been a month I love and miss you so much, I never thought that one day I will never be able to see or speak to you again.
"I wake up and think you're going to be laying next to me or you're going to call me in a minute. It just doesn't seem real.
"I wish I could give you a kiss and a cuddle and say everything is going to be ok. I am so grateful I met you I just want to make you proud. X"
Flack had stepped down from her Love Island hosting duties after being arrested and charged with assault in December.
She had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and the trial had been due to take place in March. The case was dropped following her death.
An inquest into her death heard she had taken her own life. The hearing will resume on 5 August.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.