The funeral of Life co-founder Nuala Scarisbrick has taken place today (Friday 17 September) at St Peter the Apostle in Leamington Spa.

Nuala died peacefully at home with her husband Jack and their two daughters, Emma and Sarah, by her side on Tuesday 31 August.

Life is a UK charity that provides (1) support services for anyone facing unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy loss, and (2) education about human dignity.

The charity said: "Nuala was the driving force behind the building of the client support services you see today – especially her 'hotline' which evolved into our National Helpline. Her tireless passion to support women and families in crisis saved lives on a daily basis and will continue.

"We are forever indebted to the remarkable woman that was Nuala Scarisbrick. May she rest in peace."

At today's Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr John Cross, a Message from Archbishop Bernard Longley, who was unable to attend, was read out.

"I am sorry that I cannot be with you today at St Peter’s in Leamington Spa as you gather for the Requiem Mass for our dear friend Mrs Nuala Scarisbrick. I want to join my prayers to yours as this Mass is celebrated by Fr John Cross for the repose of Nuala’s soul and in gratitude for the witness of her faith.

I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Professor Jack Scarisbrick and to all his family, as well as to Nuala’s many friends, fellow parishioners and staff and supporters of LIFE who have come to pray for her today. I know how you have lovingly cared for and supported Nuala, especially over recent years, enabling her innate gentleness and dignity to continue to be a blessing for us all.

On behalf of the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, I want to record my gratitude for the extraordinary graces that have enriched so many lives through the witness of Nuala’s faith and through her commitment, alongside Professor Jack Scarisbrick, to the Gospel of Life. Their work together will continue to bear abundant fruit far beyond our Archdiocese and long into the future.

You may not know that for many years Nuala was the dedicated convenor of the diocesan group of Catholic women who meet twice a year with the Archbishop to offer advice and insights. In this way the work of Life was faithfully represented so that it could influence our diocesan policy and decision-making. It was always the greatest pleasure to welcome Nuala to my home in Birmingham for these meetings.

I am very grateful for Nuala’s public witness and work, recognised by the Holy Father in making her a Papal Dame – but I know that she is remembered and prayed for above all today as a cherished wife, mother and grandmother, a fellow parishioner and a loyal friend. May she enjoy forever the company of the blessed in the Kingdom of God."

The Mass was followed by a Committal and public wake.

Nuala Scarisbrick