SHE lived life to the full, despite being confined to a wheelchair.

And last night, after a poignant funeral in Huddersfield, the family of Nicola Holmes paid tribute to her.

Nicola was just 23 when she died in hospital.

She suffered from giant axonal neuropathy, a rare genetic condition which badly affected her nervous system.

It meant she had to spend long spells in hospital, but that did not stop her having a rewarding life.

Her mum, Mrs Bridget Holmes, of Cowlersley, said: “She was a very sociable young woman with a large circle of friends.

“She never complained and she lived every minute of her life.”

Nicola was cremated at Huddersfield yesterday after a moving service at St Patrick’s RC Church in New North Road.

Her coffin was carried to the church in a horse-drawn hearse, which was drawn through the streets of Cowlersley before the service.

The mourners were led by Mrs Holmes, her husband Dave and son Gary.

Nicola, of Minerva Street, had the rare condition since birth, but was regarded as a shining example to other young people.

She attended Cowlersley Junior School and then went on to Newsome High School, where she excelled not only in the classroom, but in many of the disabled sports that the college offered, especially boccia.