Corrie cast gather to pay respects at Bill Tarmey's funeral

The funeral of Coronation Street actor Bill Tarmey took place today in Ashton-under-Lyne at Albion United Reformed Church.  The Manchester Evening News reports that around 700 people packed into the church, joining his wife of 50 years, Ali, and the couple's two children, Carl and Sara, to say a final goodbye.

The service was relayed on loudspeakers for several hundred fans of the show who gathered outside. Eulogies were given by Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria Connor, and Nigel Pivaro.

Bill Tarmey's family asked that donations are made in his memory to Brain Tumour Research, in place of sending flowers.  A fundraising page has also been set up at www.justgiving.com/BillTarmey for people to donate to the charity.


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