Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Christ’s light shines of those of us who are in darkness and in the shadow of death, a vicar told the children and family of a mother killed in a tragic hit-and-run incident in Cardiff.

Speaking at the funeral of Karina Menzies at the Church of the Resurrection in Ely, Cardiff, today (Nov 9), the Revd Jan Gould compared sudden death to an electricity blackout, making us feel lost, helpless and frightened. As we reach for any light then so we turn to Christ in tragedy to find hope and comfort in the darkness.

Ms Menzies was killed in the incident three weeks ago, as she crossed a road with two of her children. 13 other people were injured – two of whom remain in hospital. A 31-year-old man has been charged with murder and other offences.

About 500 mourners packed into the church for the service while another 200 gathered outside where it was broadcast live. Ms Menzies’ leopard-patterned coffin arrived at the church in a horse-drawn hearse which also held a floral tribute spelling out the word ‘Mum’. The order of service leaflet also had a leopard patterned print.

Ms Gould described Ms Menzies as a “fun-loving girl” for whom life wasn’t always easy. She paid tribute to Ms Menzies’ love for her three daughters saying, “Her love for her children no doubt was a huge inspiration for her in moving forward and getting on with life because they were her world, she would do anything for them and as we know, she paid the ultimate price to save them three weeks ago today. There is no clearer sign of the depth of her love for them than that.”

After her address, Revd Jan Gould read out tributes to Ms Menzies from her two eldest daughters. Mourners also heard tributes from Ms Menzies sisters, Sam and Laura, brothers Craig and Gareth and friend Otis Williams. A soloist, Jess Alan, sang Amazing Grace and the two hymns chosen by the family were All Things Bright And Beautiful and Walking In The Light.

After the service a collection was taken for the trust fund set up for Karina’s children.

The Revd Jan Gould’s full address follows. The photo attached shows Revd Jan Gould as Ms Menzies coffin arrived at the church.

For more information please contact:  

Anna Morrell
Archbishop's Media Officer / Swyddog y Cyfryngau i'r Archesgob
Tel: 02920 348208; mobile: 07 91 91 587 94