MOURNERS gathered today for the funeral of a “cheerful and caring” grandmother Liz Taylor who died after an horrific collision with a lorry in Rainford.

The 73-year-old former teacher’s funeral was held at All Saints Parish Church, Rainford, where she was a volunteer and member of the congregation

Liz had left notes for her funeral titled ‘Liz’s bowing out’, including her choice of music and flowers. As a life-long Liverpool supporter she chose ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as one of the hymns.

In her notes for the service she said: “Everyone is to join in the singing…and the waving of scarves, Liverpool of course, is to be encouraged.”

Liz’s grown-up children, Simon and Emma said: "We would like to thank our family, friends and the local community, including the church, for all the love and support they have given us over the last few weeks, which is helping us get through this incredibly sad time.

“We hope that everyone who knew our mum will remember her as we will: for her cheerful and caring nature, as someone who was always happy to chat to anyone, a loyal friend to many and for her great sense of humour.

“We will miss her more than words can say."

It was led by Reverend Janet Heighton, who knew Liz well and who really got to know her when she joined the parish walks.

She said: “We had a lot of laughs on those walks, including our last one around Hale, the Saturday before she died.

“Not so long ago Liz told me that she would like me to take her funeral. Of course, I never dreamt it would be so soon.

“However, it is a great privilege to have known her and to be able to fulfil her wishes.

“Liz’s funeral has been our opportunity as a community to come together to share our pain and grief over the events of just three weeks ago and to comfort one another.

“But we also celebrated Liz’s life, to give thanks for all that she meant to us, commending her to God, and to receive his peace and healing touch ourselves.”

The service was followed by a committal at St Helens Crematorium.

Liz had been a teacher at Rainhill and other primary schools across the borough, ending her career teaching reception – later retiring and volunteering at Ormskirk Hospital.