A GRAVESIDE gathering is being organised in support of a west Belfast family ordered to remove a young mother's headstone for "non-compliance" with cemetery rules.
Emma Nolan's family spoke last month about receiving a solicitor's letter warning them to remove the pink butterfly-shaped headstone from Hannahstown Cemetery within 28 days.
An online group backing their efforts to keep the headstone in place has since gained more than 3,000 members.
The family are inviting people to join them for a "peaceful gathering" at Emma's graveside on Sunday at 12.30pm to mark the end of the 28-day notice period in a "dignified show of unity and support".
The parish cemetery committee said a number of people have been asked to remove headstones erected "without approval" and in breach of regulations.
It expressed regret over distress caused, but said the rules are to ensure memorials are "suitable for the setting and that the dignity of the cemetery is maintained".
Emma, a mother-of-one, died almost a year ago aged just 23 after a painful battle with alcohol addiction. Her son was at the time only five-years-old.
Her mother Loretta Nolan described as "absolutely overwhelming" the support they have received about the headstone.
"People have been sending me beautiful videos and poems that they have written about Emma," the 57-year-old said.
"So many people have come forward, come to the house and showed their support and say they're behind us."
Mrs Nolan said the gathering will be "very peaceful and dignified".
"We want to remember our loved ones in the way that we choose," she added.
The family of murdered boxer Eamonn Magee jnr (22) were also told last month to remove his boxing glove-shaped headstone from Hannahstown Cemetery. They also plan to resist the move.
The Parish of Hannahstown Cemetery Committee expressed regret at the "distress to both bereaved families and the broader parish community".
A spokesman said families and funeral directors "sign such leases with the parish cemetery committee which include an agreement to observe the regulations of the cemetery".
The committee said to "avoid such situations in the future" it should be approached by sculptors in advance "to ensure that the proposed design falls within the cemetery regulations".
