150 mourners say goodbye to brave Catherine

Around 150 mourners turned out to pay their respects to former Exeter journalist Catherine Fraser.

The 48-year-old mother of one died suddenly last month after a second bout of cancer.

Her funeral took place today at the Exeter & Devon Crematorium where there was standing room only.

Among those paying their respects were Exeter City FC manager Paul Tisdale and a number of players.

They were joined by director of football Steve Perryman and the club's vice chairman Julian Tagg.

Catherine had been employed by the club as a community operations manager where she worked alongside her partner Jamie Vittles who is Exeter City Football’s head of community.

The pair had formed a "formidable team in more ways than one" according to Mr Tagg.

In 2013, Catherine shared her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the Express & Echo.

When the disease returned she chose not to share the news with anyone but those close to her and remained positive throughout, today's service was told.

Catherine leaves a daughter, Dulcie (11) who wrote an emotional goodbye to her mother which was read out at the funeral.

Jay Milling, a friend and colleague of Catherine's through the football club said: "I was impressed, but not surprised, by the huge number of people who came to the crematorium to bid her farewell. The turnout, and the service were a credit to an exceptional woman who died way too young."

Marc Astley, CEO of Astley Media, was also among those at the service.

He said Catherine was his first employee almost three years ago and had helped make the business the success it is today.

"Catherine was brave, passionate, warm and forthright," he said.

"She was the consummate professional but also a fun person to be around."