BRADFORD City co-chairman Mark Lawn paid an emotional tribute to his “soulmate” wife at her funeral yesterday.

Grandmother-of-five Yvonne Lawn, 53, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer three-and-a-half years ago, died earlier this month at the family home in Oakworth.

Her funeral, held at Bradford Cathedral, was attended by Bradford City players and staff, including manager Phil Parkinson.

Mr Lawn said: “She was my soulmate and made me believe that there is an afterlife.

“Yvonne loved her children and even more so, her grandchildren.”

Hundreds of mourners, including Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry, attended the service, which was conducted by the Rev Paul Booth, honorary chaplain at Bradford Cathedral, and Father Michael Walsh, parish priest at Our Lady of Lourdes, Haworth.

Hymns at the service included Amazing Grace and Abide with Me and Mr Lawn broke down in tears as he read the poem 'Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone', by WH Auden. Mrs Lawn’s son, Brannan, also gave a eulogy at the service.

He said: “She was a happy person and loved to smile about everything.”

The funeral was followed by a private committal at Nab Wood Crematorium.

Bradford City’s Valley Parade ground was closed yesterday as a mark of respect to Mrs Lawn.