Family and friends celebrate life of Ruby, the girl with unique style

10:40am Saturday 17th May 2008

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HUNDREDS of mourners walked through the streets of York and then packed into St Wilfrid's Church in the centre of the city for the funeral of Ruby Garland Milnes.

The 17-year-old York College student was killed on May 8 as she rode along the Sustrans cycle path which stretches between York and Selby.

Yesterday, hundreds of family and friends processed through York to remember Ruby's life. Dozens more of her friends were waiting at the church.

Together they heard Ruby's father, Dave Milnes, speak of his daughter's love for life, her individual style and her compassion for others.

He said: "Ruby was deep, spiritual and caring. She loved people and genuinely cared for them.

"At the age of ten, she shaved her head to raise money and awareness for the Kalahari bush people, because she was concerned for their plight.

"For her school work experience, she chose to work with people who needed care and support. She raved about how great it was to be in a position to offer this."

He said: "Ruby was beautiful and had fantastic, unique style. She could make an outfit out of bits of clothes borrowed from Grandma, Mum and even Dad. On the day she died, she wore her sister's dress. She looked like an Amazon, slim and strong through riding her bike every day."

The mourners sang Morning Has Broken and Amazing Grace and also heard Ruby's sister Bonny read a poem written to her older sister.

Ruby, of Bishophill and a former pupil of Millthorpe School, was killed on the Sustrans cycle path at the back of York Racecourse, off Bishopthorpe Road, after her bicycle was in a collision with a lorry delivering items to the racecourse.

Flowers and tributes have been left at the scene of her death. Police are still investigating the incident.

Anyone who witnessed it is asked to call York Police on 0845 6060247.