Popular Annette came up with the wacky idea with her husband Gary before she died aged 55 from cancer. So former Royal Marine, Gary, 55, fulfilled his soul mate’s dying wish by having her ashes piped into rockets and firecrackers. Annette’s friends and family joined him for a special memorial service on Saturday night – culminating with spectacular two-minute firework display.

The couple had been married for 13 years before Annette died on September 11 following a long battle with cancer. After she was cremated Gary commissioned the £250 fireworks from firm Heavenly Stars Fireworks. Her ashes were then fed into gold tails, green peonies, crackling dragon eggs and red and blue chrysanthemum bursts before being launched at Devonport Park in Plymouth, Devon.

Gary said: “She would have loved it. It’s a good way to send her off. “Our 13 years of marriage was the best 13 years of my life. We won the battle but lost the war. She was a keeper.” Co-op funeral arranger Hayley, who helped organise the display, said: “In many cultures the funeral is an occasion that brings the whole community together in a grand celebration of a person’s life.

“Gary decided to do just that and, with the help of myself, Annette’s ashes have been interred into a firework. “This is a fitting tribute and a great final farewell to Annette.”

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