THE heartbroken parents and brother of Emily Nicholson have paid tribute to the "inspirational, funny and caring" young York woman at her funeral.

Hundreds of mourners crammed into York Crematorium on Friday to remember Emily, who died aged 24 last month after a long battle against a brain tumour.

In a moving tribute by her parents Joanne and Martin, read out on their behalf, they said: “This is so wrong.We shouldn’t be here today. This should be in 60 to 70 years time, surrounded by her kids and grandkids, not school friends, 20 year olds.”

They said Emily was "the epitome of beauty inside and out," and was loved by everyone who met her, and she didn’t deserve to have such a short life.

“Emily had such an amazing outlook on life, such positivity, full of loving and a caring attitude,” they said.

“She took everything in her stride and never wallowed in self pity. Emily only ever said: ‘Why me mum, what have I done?’ once, just once. And I had no answer and I still don’t.”

They said they had asked people to describe Emily in one word and the responses included inspirational, funny, caring, honest, unique, brave, happy, courageous and strong. But one person had said: “Thank you for bringing this angel into our world."

The couple said: “We the family say thank you to Emily for being the best daughter, sister and friend to us all. She had so much more to do, her life to live, love to find, and this has been taken away so cruelly.

“Although our time of just 24 wonderful years with Emily were far too short, it was filled with far more laughter than many who live to 100.

“She was and always will be our warrior, strong, inspirational and amazing and we were lucky enough to be her parents.”

Emily’s brother Matthew said that just by being by her side, he had learnt more than some people learn in a lifetime. “Seeing her fight every single day made me realise I will never encounter anyone as strong and resilient as Emily.

“I am so honoured to be her brother and to know that she is always going to be there with me wherever I go. Emily, I hope I make you proud as you have me. I love you so much.”