Charlotte attends funeral for Wales Cancer Campaigner June 8 2001
from charlottechurchfans.com

From the South Wales Echo: By Steve Tucker

The sun shone - and the stars came out, too, at a celebration of the life of cancer campaigner Sandra Tree.

Singer Charlotte Church and Manic Street Preachers drummer Sean Moore were among the mourners at her funeral in Penarth and cremation yesterday.

Much-missed Sandra, from Penarth, lost her nine-year battle with cancer last week at the age of 48.

She had spent much of her time helping others with the disease and was instrumental in raising £27,000 for the children's cancer charity Latch.

Family, friends and admirers packed into St Augustine's Church in the town to remember Sandra, as Charlotte sang the song of lament In Trutina.

At Coychurch Crematorium, in Bridgend, the Manic Street Preachers single Ocean Spray was played - the song was written by James Dean Bradfield about his own mother's death from cancer. Drummer Sean Moore was at the crematorium to represent the band.

Both the Manics and Charlotte Church became close friends with Sandra, through her husband Geoff's business. Geoff was the first to introduce stretch limousines to South Wales - a service the stars often used.

The parish curate at St Augustines, Father Kevin Lake, told the congregation he first met Sandra when she had been carrying out voluntary work at the Holme Tower hospice in Penarth.

"Her work for charity was ceaseless," he said. "She kept working from her hospital bed and encouraged others to do the same. Her bravery and courage was an inspiration to us all."

The day was treated as a celebration of Sandra's life and many mourners wore bright clothing at the family's request. Sandra's favourite hymns, including Bread of Heaven and Calon Lan, were sung and a recording of Elvis Presley singing How Great Thou Art was played.

"This has been very beautiful and I'm grateful to everyone who came," said husband Geoff.