Train crash victim funeral held

Mrs Masson's daughter Margaret was also injured in the train crash

The funeral of the 84-year-old woman killed in the Cumbrian train crash last month has taken place in Glasgow.

Margaret Masson was travelling home on the Virgin train when it derailed and slid into a field at Grayrigg near Kendal on 23 February.

She died in the Royal Lancashire Infirmary hospital a few hours after the accident.

About 150 family and friends attended the funeral service at Craigton Crematorium, near Cardonald in Glasgow.

The grandmother, from the Cardonald area of the city, was travelling with her daughter Margaret Langley and son-in-law Richard Langley, who were both injured along with dozens of other passengers.

Mrs Langley, who hobbled into the service using a crutch, and her husband, were also joined by Virgin Rail management, and members of the Lancashire Civil Support Team who helped out during the crash's aftermath.

'Terrible day'

Reverend John Miller, from East Parish Church in Castlemilk, Glasgow, conducted the ceremony for Margaret, who was also known as Peggy.

A Masson family friend for 30 years, he paid tribute to members of the emergency services, the driver of the train and Virgin Boss Sir Richard Branson.

Mr Miller said they had all provided support to the Masson family since February's tragedy.

He said: "The many days have turned into many weeks, and all this time has passed since that terrible day.

"And yet even now it is so difficult for those who loved Peggy Masson to take in the sudden tragedy which led to her passing."

Mr Miller added: "A tragedy such as this reveals the kindness in so many human hearts, in the public services, emergency services, and health services.

Mrs Masson died after the Cumbria train crash in February

"People have shared in that tragedy - members of the management from Virgin Rail, who have been so thoughtful and kind, as has Sir Richard Branson.

"There has also been support from the train driver Iain Black and his fiancee Jan."

Mr and Mrs Langley travelled up from their home in Southport, Merseyside, for the funeral.

The minister paid tribute to the courage shown by Mrs Langley.

He said: "We think of how bravely Margaret has fought her way back to being well enough to make this journey back to Glasgow for today's sad ceremony."

A fleet of five limousines brought around two dozen members of Mrs Masson's close family to the service.

Her coffin was decorated with several wreaths, with two spelling out the words "NAN" and "MUM".

The flowers were carried into the service before a team of seven bearers lifted the coffin inside.