A reverend has slammed cruel bullies who targeted a tragic young mum as a teenager.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at St Matthew's Parish in Belfast on Thursday to pay their respects to Hollie McCutheon.
The 27-year-old died suddenly of a heart attack on Saturday, leaving behind seven-year-old son Nathan, sister Hannah and brother Andrew .
After praising heartbroken parents Janet and Leslie for the support they had offered their daughter, Reverend Campbell Dixon hit out at those who had bullied Hollie at school.
The clergyman said years of verbal abuse had caused her to fall into a spiral of anorexia and bulimia, which eventually led her to be hospitalised.
"Did those who made Hollie's life a misery as she entered her teenage years ever give one thought about what their nastiness would do to a well-balanced and happy child?" he asked, according to a Belfast Telegraph report.
"They should be ashamed of themselves."
Rev Dixon also heaped shame on the person who had started a rumour on social media that Hollie had taken her own life.
After completing her GCSEs and finishing a stint at Donard Unit of Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Hollie worked first for Costa Coffee and then at Value Cabs.
There she met Sean, the couple having Nathan together before breaking up.
The child became a source of encouragement for Hollie and gave her something to live for, according to her mum.
There was no ill will between Hollie and Sean however, with the dad proving to be a huge source of support for his ex-girlfriend, who went on to find love with Chris.
The reverend said the young woman found her niche in life at the age of 25 when she started working as a carer.
While Hollie could be the life and soul of the party, as evidenced by a slideshow of pictures played through the service, Rev Dixon said her life was also a tragic one.
"Here was a larger-than-life character who loved people, socialising, working and caring for those who needed help - but despite all appearances she was brought down into the depths of despair," he said.
On top of Hollie's coffin was a note from Nathan which reads: "To Mummy, I love and miss you xxx."
The young boy cried uncontrollably throughout the service.
