Nicola Sturgeon joins mourners for Janey Godley's funeral

The former first minister amongst hundreds at St Mary's Cathedral

Author: Tom GrantPublished 30th Nov 2024

Nicola Sturgeon was among dozens to attend Scottish comedian Janey Godley funeral in Glasgow on Saturday.

The former first minister and ex-SNP leader joined the comedy legend’s friends and family to pay tribute and say a final goodbye.

Janey’s family had asked mourners to arrive in bright colours, with Ms Sturgeon attending in a vivid orange coat.

The 63-year-old comic died earlier this month, after receiving palliative treatment for terminal cancer.

And Ms Sturgeon paid tribute to a woman she considered a friend.

She said: “Most of my memories of Janey are around the pandemic.

“When she started doing the voiceovers of my briefings a bond formed between us and she in many ways became my alter ego.

“That’s what I will remember her for.”

Before adding: “It was a beautiful service, it really encapsulated Janey and did her proud.

“It was a very sad occasion but full of laughs as well which is exactly what Janey would have wanted, and her fingerprints were all over every single iota of the service.”

Alongside Janey’s nearest and dearest, fans of the star turned out to give her a final sendoff.

Linda Nicol admitted Janey was an inspiration to her.

She said: “I just had to be here for her today.

“She didn’t know me, and I didn’t know her, but I just wanted to be here.”

Johnny explained how Janey’s ‘bravery’ during her illness helped his mum.

He said: “I’ve been a fan of Janey for many years.

“She was very open about her cancer diagnosis and her being so open made my mum realise that she had it and we caught it in time.

“Taking the mick out of everybody and everything, she knew how to laugh and she loved life, and she knew how to make people happy.”

As the funeral ended, hundreds gathered outside to give Janey a round of applause as her coffin was driven away.

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