A USUALLY bustling city centre came to a moving standstill in tribute to an inspirational hospice bride today (Monday, October 27).

Dozens of mourners lined Durham Market Place and passers-by stood silent in respect as a hearse carrying the body of June Carter made its way slowly along the city’s cobbled streets to Durham Cathedral for an afternoon funeral and thanksgiving service.

Flowers arranged alongside the coffin spelled out ‘Mam’ and ‘Grandma’ and hundreds of people attended the following service, which was led by the Reverend Canon Dr David Kennedy, the Vice-Dean of Durham Cathedral.

Mrs Carter made headlines earlier this month when she married her long-term partner Jim Carter, 75, at a moving ceremony at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham City, on Friday, October 3.

The 60-year-old, who was proud that she was able to walk down the aisle and stand during her wedding service, died just six days later at the hospice, surrounded by friends and family.

Mrs Carter, who was born in Burnhope and lived in Sacriston, inspired many as a mother to Claire and Paul, grandmother of four, school cook, cleaner and community centre worker.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and spent her final weeks as an in-patient at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, a place she loved.

Mr and Mrs Carter had been a couple for 32 years and engaged for 30 years but their wedding was arranged in less than a week.

Afterwards, Mrs Carter said she was “absolutely buzzing” and it was the last thing she and her husband wanted to do.

Mr Carter, a Durham Cathedral porter for 20 years, said his wife was a wonderful woman.

“Having a funeral in the cathedral is what June wanted.

“She looked after me and we had a daughter, Claire, together and we had some good times and some bad times together,” he said.

At the funeral, a retiring collection was taken for the work of the hospice and the cathedral. Family and friends gathered afterwards at Sacriston Workingmen’s Club.