The family of a young Swindon woman who suddenly died last month has thanked everyone for filling her funeral with colour. 

Despite the less than colourful weather, friends and family of Carla Heaton, 22, packed out Kingsdown Crematorium on Monday afternoon.

The footballer and nursery worker was well known for her imaginative hair and love of colour and in honour of that many in attendance wore bright colours or football shirts and added colourful streaks to their own hair. 

In an arrival completely befitting of Carla’s personality, she arrived in a horse-drawn carriage - the horses themselves sporting bright pink feathered plumes. 

Everyone in attendance then formed a guard of honour as Carla pulled up to the chapel for the service. 

Swindon Advertiser: The guard of honour as Carla Heaton arrived for her send-offThe guard of honour as Carla Heaton arrived for her send-off (Image: Newsquest)

At the front of the chapel, Carla’s uniform as a nursery worker and her football kit were on display - marking her two biggest loves - goalkeeping and looking after children. 

The service included a poem written in Carla’s honour, a video tribute, and some pieces of music and ended, poignantly with a video of Carla cheekily blowing everyone a kiss. 

During it, several people, including Carla’s mother Naomi Lawrence, her sister Rachael, best friend Charlie, her Nan and her aunties, shared touching and funny memories of her which painted her as an incredibly mischievous and caring person.

Swindon Advertiser: Carla HeatonCarla Heaton (Image: Naomi Lawrence)

In her eulogy, Naomi said: "Carla was the most popular shy girl you could ever meet, and we had the privilege to call her family."

Speaking afterwards, she added: “On behalf of the entire family, I would like to thank each and every person who came to Carla's funeral and wake. The weather really wasn't on our side but so many people came anyway.  

“I'd also like to thank everyone who was unable to travel but joined us online. We know that she was loved from far and wide and appreciate that travel could be an issue.

“A special thank you has to go out to Pearce Funeral Directors who treated my baby girl like a member of their own family. They couldn't have done more to help us through this difficult time.

Swindon Advertiser: Colourful Carla showing off her sense of humourColourful Carla showing off her sense of humour (Image: Naomi Lawrence)

“Another special thank you also has to go to the celebrant, Mikayla, who led the service in such a beautiful manner. 

“Together, we all celebrated the life of Carla, with many memories causing chuckles. It truly was a beautiful service and I hope we did her proud.”