Liverpool FC themed tribute to 84-year-old fan who found strength by singing You Will Never Walk Alone

The partner of an 84-year-old devoted LFC fan said she kept going "through all the storms in her life" by singing You Will Never Walk Alone.

Marina Joan Poppy Clarke sadly died on July 4 after suffering with a number of health problems.

Partner Phil Rich said Marina loved Liverpool Football Club and especially the club's anthem which he said they would often sing together.

And to mark her life the true fan was given an all Red send off - buried in an LFC tracksuit, her favourite Liverpool teddy, with her beloved song playing.

Marina Joan Poppy Clarke was laid to rest with a LFC themed funeral attended and organised by her devoted partner Phil Rich (liverpool echo)

Phil said: "She always used to sing the song. I don't think she would have kept going for as long as she did without it.

"The minute she heard it she said to me 'this is our song Phil' and it used to put a smile on her face.

"We would often sit there, with our arms around each other and just sway side to side singing it."

Marina was buried in a LFC tracksuit, in a red coffin and her hearse was followed by a red hackney cab with a personalised LFC reg plate (liverool echo)

At her funeral, which only Phil attended, Maria was buried in a red coffin which was adorned with red flowers.

An organist played You Will Never Walk Alone as she was led into and out of the church and at her burial.

Meanwhile Phil decked the church pews out in LFC scarves, t-shirts and flags and had a red hackney cab with a personalised Kop reg follow the hearse.

He added: "She loved watching the rise of the club and them being so successful.

"She loved the Kop and just loved the community feel of Anfield.

In the care home which Marina Clarke resided in she had it decked out with LFC souvenirs (liverool echo)

"She would say 'I have been to one or two football matches but I have never felt anything like the atmosphere at Anfield before'.

"The song You Will Never Walk Alone really helped her get through some really tough times these last few years.

"I feel like I am walking in a snowstorm without her."

Phil said the last few years of Marina's life were very tough and following her death he is trying to launch an appeal called the Marina Joan Poppy Appeal in a bid to improve the standard of care and support in nursing homes.

Phil, from Plymouth, said: "She was such a little lady, with such a big heart.

"Even in her own pain and suffering she was trying to help others.

"She suffered a lot in recent years but she was a brave soldier.

"I miss her very much."