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.

She represented the school in numerous competitions and won awards.

After leaving Newsome, she studied at Kirklees College.

Mrs Holmes said: “The condition is a very rare one and she had it from birth, but she never let it get her down.

“She was in a wheelchair from the age of nine, but nothing was going to stop her living life to the full.

“She was in and out of hospital many times, but still managed a smile. Even when she wasn’t a patient, she remembered others and would take presents in for them.

“She was also in Martin House Hospice for children several times but always wanted one of us to be with her. She was always such a sociable person.

“She loved going out and socialising with her many friends, particularly at the pub. It didn’t matter if it was raining or snowing, she would not miss one of her nights out.

“Everyone in the area knew Nicola. She was a lovely, lovely girl.”

Donations taken at the funeral service will be presented to Martin House Hospice.

Giant axonal neuropathy usually appears in infancy or early childhood and is progressive.

Early signs of the disorder often present in the peripheral nervous system, causing individuals with this disorder to have problems walking.

Normal sensation, coordination, strength and reflexes become affected

Hearing or vision problems may also occur.

As the disorder progresses, the central nervous system becomes involved, which may cause a gradual decline in mental function, loss of control of body movement and seizures.