Mourners have been advised black clothing, dark sunglasses and an umbrella are part of the ‘dress code’ for the funeral of a much-loved County Durham woman who died in a car crash.
Friends and family of Natalie Marshall said she requested the suitably sombre attire, with matching accessories, for those who come to say a final ‘farewell’ on Friday.
It was a topic the 25-year-old and her friends had discussed extensively among themselves, despite their youth, so they could make sure their wishes would be respected if necessary.
The weather forecast on Friday looks cloudy with only a five per cent chance of rain, but her nearest and dearest will bringing shades and brollies to Coundon Crematorium for the service at 11.30am to honour her request.
Shannon Murray, one of Natalie’s closest friends, said: “Everyone needs to be in all black with sunglasses and an umbrella.
“It is just something she has always wanted.”
Natalie, from St Helen Auckland, died in the early hours of Friday, June 17, when her Mercedes C class collided with a tree on the A167 on the outskirts of Darlington.
She had been visiting friends in Middlesbrough with her friend, Chris Walton, 22, who was seriously injured and remains in hospital.
Natalie worked as a mobile phone sales advisor for EE in Bishop Auckland and was well-known and well-liked with in the community.
Her death has had a profound effect on those who knew and loved her, and hundreds of people turned out for a memorial balloon release near her home the week after she died.
Read more: Crowds turn out for balloon release in memory of much-loved County Durham woman
Ms Murray, 25, from Crook, said: “Everyone is still shocked. I think it is going to really hit everyone after the funeral on Friday.”
Natalie has recently become the legal guardian to her younger sisters, Corrina-Mae, 17, and 14-year-old Shannon.
Read more: Tragic death of 'amazing' woman weeks after she became guardian to her sisters
They are now in the care of their older sisters, Chloe, and an online fundraiser to support the girls organised by Ms Murray had raised over £5,500.
After the humanist service at the crematorium a wake will be held at the Eden Arms in West Auckland, which has also been money for the family.
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