MOURNERS gathered yesterday to say farewell to a young woman who died from an eating disorder.
Family and friends of Sophie Bridges (21), from Killyleagh, attended her funeral on the outskirts of east Belfast.
Her family had said they wanted the service to be a celebration of Sophie's life and asked those attending to wear bright colours.
Sophie, a past pupil of Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch, was found dead in her bedroom on March 17 after suffering a heart attack.
Her devastated mother Sharon described how her daughter had spent the last seven years battling an eating disorder.
She said she believed the health system had failed her and called for a separate emergency department for mental ill-health.
Sophie initially battled anorexia and then bulimia. She had spent the last six months living in her family home in Killyleagh.
One mourner wrote of her devastation on social media.
"My heart breaks today," she said.
"One life lost is one too many. We need effective #EatingDisorder services in #NorthernIreland. I don't want to lose anyone else to this illness.
"I know the harsh reality of it, especially when fought long term as I am doing too."
