Motorway tragedy couple laid to rest (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Sad farewells to Bradford-born Tamsie Mchale and her husband Mark who were killed in a crash on the M62

7:00am Saturday 4th August 2012 in Bradford

Hundreds of mourners bid an emotional farewell to a couple described as “two peas in a pod” who died in a car crash on the M62 near Bradford.

Mark Mchale and his Bradford-born wife Tamsie were travelling to Manchester Airport to fly to Cuba when they were killed in a collision with a lorry at Chain Bar on Wednesday, July 25.

The couple, from Bishop Auckland, who had been married for ten years, were laid to rest yesterday in a joint funeral at Wear Valley Crematorium, which was attended by about 500 mourners, who were asked not to wear sombre clothing.

The ceremony was relayed over loudspeakers to those standing outside who were unable to get into the chapel.

Minister Jan Mole, who conducted the service, described salon owner Mr Mchale, 46, as enjoying sports such as football, cricket and kick-boxing.

She said Mrs Mchale, 43, who was deputy headteacher at Durham Gilesgate Primary School, was born in Bradford and moved to Bishop Auckland with her family as a toddler, before moving to South Africa for four years during her childhood.

When the couple met in a Bishop Auckland pub 15 years ago, it was love at first sight and they were married on a cruise in Mexico, five years later.

Miss Mole said: “It was a true joining of two like-minded people. They were very stylish, incredibly sociable and loved the company of friends.

“They were inseparable and loved to travel, going on two holidays a year to places like Goa, Bali and the Caribbean.

“Every year they did a charity challenge, raising money for the British Heart Foundation and the Great North Air Ambulance.

“At home, Mark loved gardening and Tamsie loved her cats, Denim and Levi.”

During the ceremony, Kendra Hughes, who manages Hair Haus – the salon which Mr Mchale owned for 11 years – said: “He was not only our boss, but also like a second dad, and was devoted to the business and job. He was a role model, motivated, inspirational, hard-working, fun, beautiful and generous.

“Behind every strong man is a great woman and that was Tamsie. They were made for each other and were a force to be reckoned with.

“Mark, we will be carrying on your mission and building the empire you always wanted. Sleep tight.”

Mrs Mchale’s father, George, delivered an emotional tribute to his eldest daughter, in which he described her as his “number one”. He said: “Today, I’m not going to say goodbye. I’m going to say goodnight Mark and goodnight number one. Daddy loves you.”

Miss Mole added: “They worked hard, played hard and when difficulties occurred, Mark’s mantra was PTI – power through it. That’s the advice we need today as we cope with the loss from our lives of such a vibrant couple.”

A collection for the Great North Air Ambulance was taken during the service.

Donations can be given at the website, justgiving.com/ Kendissra-Hughes.

• A lorry driver, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released on police bail.