STARS MOURN AT HAWKING’S FUNERAL

FILM stars, supermodels, comics and astronomers joined Stephen Hawking’s family and friends for his funeral on Saturday in Cambridge, the city where he dedicated his life’s work to unravelling the mysteries of the universe.

The theoretical physicist, who captured the imagination of millions around the world, died on March 14 at the age of 76.

His death triggered a flood of tributes, from Queen Elizabeth II to NASA, reflecting his impact both as a scientist and for his refusal to give up in the face of crippling motor neurone disease.

Hawking was famously an atheist but his children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, chose the Church of St Mary the Great to say their farewells.

“Our father’s life and work meant many things to many people, both religious and non-religious,” they said, adding that the funeral was “both inclusive and traditional, reflecting the breadth and diversity of his life”.

Hundreds packed the streets and applauded when Hawking’s coffin arrived, carried by six porters from his university college, Gonville and Caius. The church bell tolled 76 times, once for each year of his life.

Picture: AFP/DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS The funeral procession makes its way through the crowds to the Church of St Mary the Great in Cambridge to farewell British scientist Stephen Hawking.

Well-wishers pay their respects as Hawking’s hearse drives past.