A hairdresser whose supporters helped raise more than £1million for charity after her death in this year’s London Marathon was buried next to her brother in her home town today.
Claire Squires was laid to rest in the same grave as her brother at a private burial service at St Andrew’s Church in North Kilworth, Leicestershire at 9am attended by some family members, her partner Simon Van Herrewege and hundreds of other mourners.
Her brother Grant died at the age of 25 from a drug overdose in 2001. She had planned to run the race to raise cash in his honour.
During the service, she was described as a 'truly beautiful' person who 'sparkled'.
Miss Squires’s parents Priscilla, known as Cilla, and Paul were not present at the burial but were attending the funeral service afterwards with her sisters Maxine, Nicola and Penny.
More than 600 family and friends are thought to have arrived so far.
Some 200 people packed into the church, which can seat 150, while more than 400 stood on the grass outside.
The Rev Emma Davies thanked the hundreds of people attending and said: 'We gather to remember Claire and to give great thanks to Claire who gave so much to so many people.
She described Claire as a 'truly beautiful' person who 'sparkled'.
The congregation then sang All Things Bright And Beautiful, the first of two hymns which have been chosen by the family.
Penny is expected to be among those who will read a tribute during the service with Mr Van Herrewege.
Local Baptist minister Pastor Johnny Hutton, a family friend, led the service.
He said: 'Many people have said that Claire was so much like that Samaritan who was prepared to help someone regardless of who they were or where they came from.
'Claire’s life has inspired others to do the same and her tragic death has caught people’s attention so that she has left this amazing legacy.
'Those who have donated should also be commended for their giving. I know the family have been moved by the generosity of so many, particularly from children and those who could ill afford to give.
'Claire’s life and it seems untimely death will long be remembered by many more than just family and friends because of this unprecedented response.'
Miss Squires collapsed and died less than a mile from the finishing line of the 26.2-mile course on Birdcage Walk near Buckingham Palace on April 22.
The 30-year-old was running for the Samaritans, in recognition of the work done by her mother Cilla, who had volunteered for the charity for 24 years.
Floral tributes were left on the path leading up to the church.
One read: 'Bear, we love and miss you so much. God must have needed an extra special person to have taken you. You’re now with Grant so look after each other.'
Another bouquet with a pair of gold plastic scissors attached was from the Moko hair salon in Market Harborough where she worked.
A record, Running by Alan Braxe and Fred, was also left. The message said: 'Your fav request. This will always remind me of you. Spencer.'
A gold plaque has also been placed in the churchyard with her name engraved on it.
Members of the congregation arriving for the service, which began at noon, wore splashes of red, Miss Squires’s favourite colour, at the request of her family.
They were also handed red bands with XXX Claire XXX on to wear in return for donations to the charity Rainbows.
Dolly Parton’s song Nine To Five and Toploader’s Dancing In The Moonlight were played on a PA system set up outside the church.
Donations to Miss Squires’s JustGiving website jumped from £500 to more than £1million in the week following her death.
Celebrities and businessmen including Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, Dragons' Den star Peter Jones and singer Alesha Dixon have all contributed.
It was revealed yesterday that Miss Squires suffered from an 'irregular heartbeat' but refused to let it stop her running.
Tests are being carried out to see if the heart condition contributed to her sudden death during the marathon.
'Claire had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat,' a friend said.
'It didn't stop her keeping fit. It might have made a lesser person take a back seat. But Claire just got on with it.'
Mr Van Herrewege told how he was waiting for Miss Squires at the finish line when he received a call from a nurse on his mobile telling him to get to the hospital because she was 'very poorly.'
He dashed over with Penny, thinking Miss Squires had simply sprained her ankle, but on arrival they were told she had died.
Mr Van Herrewege, 31, a health and social carer for a nursing home company, said: 'She was lying there and then all we could do was hug and kiss her. She looked so beautiful. There was not a mark on her.'
He described Miss Squires as 'the most incredible girl' and said they had been out for a meal the night before the race with a friend and she had seemed 'absolutely fine.'
Her father revealed at the weekend how his daughter's birth was as memorable as her death.
'When she was born, I had to deliver her in the car on the way to hospital. Now we have this. She came in with a bang and went out with one,' said the 62-year-old.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2138351/Claire-Squires-Hundreds-arrive-funeral-tragic-marathon-runner-buried-brother.html#ixzz1tiSX91sE
Claire Squires was laid to rest in the same grave as her brother at a private burial service at St Andrew’s Church in North Kilworth, Leicestershire at 9am attended by some family members, her partner Simon Van Herrewege and hundreds of other mourners.
Her brother Grant died at the age of 25 from a drug overdose in 2001. She had planned to run the race to raise cash in his honour.
During the service, she was described as a 'truly beautiful' person who 'sparkled'.
Hundreds of mourners gather for the funeral of Claire Squires at St Andrew's Church in North Kilworth, Leicestershire today
Claire Squires whose supporters helped raise more than £1m for charity after her death in this year's London Marathon was buried next to her brother in her home town today
More than 600 family and friends are thought to have arrived so far
Members of the congregation arriving for this afternoon's service, due to begin at noon, wore splashes of red, Miss Squires's favourite colour, at the request of her family
More than 600 family and friends are thought to have arrived so far.
Some 200 people packed into the church, which can seat 150, while more than 400 stood on the grass outside.
The Rev Emma Davies thanked the hundreds of people attending and said: 'We gather to remember Claire and to give great thanks to Claire who gave so much to so many people.
Among the bouquets was one with a pair of gold plastic scissors attached, from the Moko hair salon in Market Harborough where Miss Squires worked
Mourners look at floral tributes as they attend the sevice
Mourners were also handed red bands with XXX Claire XXX on to wear in return for donations to the charity Rainbows
A floral tribute for Miss Squires's younger sister, Penny, who had been watching as she ran the marathon
The congregation then sang All Things Bright And Beautiful, the first of two hymns which have been chosen by the family.
Penny is expected to be among those who will read a tribute during the service with Mr Van Herrewege.
Local Baptist minister Pastor Johnny Hutton, a family friend, led the service.
He said: 'Many people have said that Claire was so much like that Samaritan who was prepared to help someone regardless of who they were or where they came from.
'Claire’s life has inspired others to do the same and her tragic death has caught people’s attention so that she has left this amazing legacy.
Miss Squires collapsed and died less than a mile from the finishing line of the 26.2-mile course on Birdcage Walk near Buckingham Palace on April 22
Some 200 people packed into the church, which can seat 150, while more than 400 stood on the grass outside
Enlarge 
A commemorative plaque outside the funeral of Claire Squires at the church in Leicestershire
One of the many heartfelt tributes for 'Claire Bear'
'Claire’s life and it seems untimely death will long be remembered by many more than just family and friends because of this unprecedented response.'
Miss Squires collapsed and died less than a mile from the finishing line of the 26.2-mile course on Birdcage Walk near Buckingham Palace on April 22.
The 30-year-old was running for the Samaritans, in recognition of the work done by her mother Cilla, who had volunteered for the charity for 24 years.
Floral tributes were left on the path leading up to the church.
One read: 'Bear, we love and miss you so much. God must have needed an extra special person to have taken you. You’re now with Grant so look after each other.'
Another bouquet with a pair of gold plastic scissors attached was from the Moko hair salon in Market Harborough where she worked.
A record, Running by Alan Braxe and Fred, was also left. The message said: 'Your fav request. This will always remind me of you. Spencer.'
A gold plaque has also been placed in the churchyard with her name engraved on it.
Miss Squires with her partner Simon Van Herrewege, who is due to give a reading at the funeral
It was revealed yesterday that Miss Squires suffered from an 'irregular heartbeat' but refused to let it stop her running
They were also handed red bands with XXX Claire XXX on to wear in return for donations to the charity Rainbows.
Dolly Parton’s song Nine To Five and Toploader’s Dancing In The Moonlight were played on a PA system set up outside the church.
Donations to Miss Squires’s JustGiving website jumped from £500 to more than £1million in the week following her death.
Celebrities and businessmen including Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, Dragons' Den star Peter Jones and singer Alesha Dixon have all contributed.
Well-wishers arrive at the church with the requested hint of red
A floral tribute to the 30-year-old, referred to affectionately as 'Clara'
Tests are being carried out to see if the heart condition contributed to her sudden death during the marathon.
'Claire had been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat,' a friend said.
'It didn't stop her keeping fit. It might have made a lesser person take a back seat. But Claire just got on with it.'
Mr Van Herrewege told how he was waiting for Miss Squires at the finish line when he received a call from a nurse on his mobile telling him to get to the hospital because she was 'very poorly.'
He dashed over with Penny, thinking Miss Squires had simply sprained her ankle, but on arrival they were told she had died.
Mr Van Herrewege, 31, a health and social carer for a nursing home company, said: 'She was lying there and then all we could do was hug and kiss her. She looked so beautiful. There was not a mark on her.'
He described Miss Squires as 'the most incredible girl' and said they had been out for a meal the night before the race with a friend and she had seemed 'absolutely fine.'
Her father revealed at the weekend how his daughter's birth was as memorable as her death.
'When she was born, I had to deliver her in the car on the way to hospital. Now we have this. She came in with a bang and went out with one,' said the 62-year-old.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2138351/Claire-Squires-Hundreds-arrive-funeral-tragic-marathon-runner-buried-brother.html#ixzz1tiSX91sE
