Jill Saward's funeral: Hundreds gather to pay their final respects

Jill, who used to live in Telford, came to live in Hednesford, Staffordshire, in the latter years of her life, became a national figure after she was attacked by intruders at her father's vicarage in Ealing, west London in 1986.

But her legacy will be her bravery in speaking out about the horrific ordeal, her ability to forgive her attackers and her endless fight for fellow victims - a campaign which has prompted fundemental changes in law.

People from far and wide arrived at Lichfield Cathedral prior to the start of the service at midday.

Many wore traditional black to mourn Mrs Saward's passing – after she died prematurely aged 51 earlier this month, two days after suffering a stroke.

Others wore bright clothing in celebration of her life, which helped so many fellow victims, while some chose purple coloured attire to make a statement against sexual violence.

All remained silent as her coffin was carried into the iconic cathedral through the north west door.

• Grieving husband speaks of heartbreak ahead of service

Rev Adrian Dorber, The Dean of Lichfield, greeted guests before leading the audience into the hymn 'Freely, Freely'.

A prayer was read by Reverend Prebendary Peter Hart, a former professional footballer who got to know Jill well over the last three years through her attendances to St. Luke's Church in Cannock, where he is vicar.

While he has known her husband Gavin Drake, journalist and Walsall FC matchday announcer, for much longer through his own involvement with the club he previously played for.

Rev Hart proceeded to read an opening prayer before Ms Saward's twin sister Sue then paid the personal and touching tribute to her 'Snij'.

She shared memories of their innocent and joyful early years growing up together in Liverpool and then Beckenham in the London borough of Bromley, before Fulham and then Ealing.

But then '86 happened and it changed all of our lives' said Ms Lancaster.

"She tried to protect us, but I wanted to protect her. It's what we did. I have felt hurt over the years from all her publicity, but now I'm glad she did it.

"I know there are many people alive today because she did it. We looked after each other as best we could over the years – because as she said – it's what we do."

The service also featured a musical tribute from singer songwriter and family friend, Garth Hewitt.

With a guitar and mouth organ he played Bread of Life – a song which had got Ms Saward through her darkest hours, while it was also sung to her by her family as she lay in New Cross Hospital shortly before passing away, the gathering was told.

Another close associate of the Sawards, Rev Gary Piper, from London, delivered his own homily.

He explained how Ms Saward had not always been as strong and resilient as the public had come accustomed to seeing her after she identified herself as the Ealing rape victim in 1990.

"She went through some very dark times, was near suicide at one point," he said. "Relationships were often difficult, there was a failed first marriage and life was really dark.

"But her courage and strength, together with support from those who loved her plus that power from Christ strengthened her and enabled her to pull through."

Mr Piper added: "She was human. I don't want you to think of her as a plaster saint.

"To achieve some of her targets she needed to be stubborn, this was a quality which could be observed in her from quite a young age" – a recollection which drew a tearful chuckle from many who knew Ms Saward closely.

Rev Hart led those in attendance in further prayers and then the hymn Lord of the Cross of Shame, written by her late father Michael Saward.

The Bishop of Wolverhampton the Rt Rev Clive Gregory delivered the final blessing and the service came to a stirring close to the sound of You'll Never Walk Alone, the song so synonymous with Liverpool where Mrs Saward was born.

A private cremation was then held. Ms Saward is survived by husband Gavin, sons Myles, Rory and Fergus and siblings Sue, Joe and Rachel.