Hundreds mourn hit-and-run mother (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hundreds mourn hit-and-run mother

3:31pm Friday 9th November 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

A fashion-mad mother of three killed in a hit-and-run rampage has been buried in a leopard skin-patterned coffin as hundreds celebrated her life.

Karina Menzies, 31, died after throwing her two young daughters to safety as a van knocked down pedestrians in Cardiff, South Wales, three weeks ago.

Her final act of heroism ensured the two daughters with her at the time survived the unprovoked attack in which she lost her life.

Mourners at a special church service in the city's Ely district were reduced to tears as poignant messages from her daughters were read out.

The close-knit community is still reeling from the tragic events of October 19 in which Ms Menzies died and 13 others were injured.

Sister Sam Menzies spoke out publicly to vow to look after her sister's three orphaned daughters. Other family members did the same at the emotionally charged funeral service at the Church of the Resurrection in Ely.

Up to 300 people were earlier reduced to tears as vicar Reverend Jan Gould read out personal messages from the children to their mother.

Ms Menzies was killed outside Ely fire station by a white Iveco van which allegedly deliberately targeted young families. She was one of 14 pedestrians, half of them children, run down.

Local man Matthew Tvrdon, 31, was charged with murder and 13 counts of attempted murder within hours of the attack. He is also charged with dangerous driving and four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He later appeared in court and has since been remanded in custody until early next year while awaiting trial.