Amy’s derby pals join her ‘last skate-out’
The streets of Corsham were filled with a colourful roller-skating funeral procession in honour of an “incredible” woman.
Amy Buller died from cancer in late September and her funeral took place in Corsham on October 7.
Amy, 39, who has been described as an “indelible point of light” by colleagues at The Boater in Bath where she worked, was also a keen roller-skater.
She had been a member of Bath Roller Derby for the best part of eight years and continued to skate throughout chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Fellow members and close friends organised a final skate-out for her, with a line of skaters following the coffin as it was carried in a classic VW camper van.
Leopard print, rainbows and glitter were seen as the parade skated through town to remember the “positive, sunny and unstoppable force of nature” that was Amy Buller, who died just before her 40th birthday.
Catherine Hunter, one of Amy’s friends, said: “Amy was a muchloved and integral member of Bath Roller Derby.
“She kept skating, even through chemo. She really was incredible and was one of a kind.
“As we are unable to attend her funeral due to Covid, the league will be accompanying her, on skates and in full glittery, colourful regalia, on her ‘final skate-out’ as she passes through Corsham.
“Amy took every opportunity she could to educate people about the importance of checking themselves for signs of cancer and she urged everyone to check out any lumps or bumps.”
Ms Hunter explained that Amy found out she had breast cancer after being knocked while skating and discovering a lump.
Members of Bristol Roller Derby, SWAT and Tiger Bay all joined the procession. The group maintained social distancing and wore face masks as they followed the VW camper van that carried Amy in her gold, glittery coffin through Corsham, towards the cemetery at Box.
Amy’s mum, Marion Buller described how the day was a fitting tribute to her daughter.
She said the occasion sent “an amazing, beautiful, wacky daughter on her final journey”.
She said: “It was as amazing and beautiful as she was. Filled with love, smiles and a few tears, but lots of laughter and so, so many happy memories and moments of wonderful friends sharing the love she brought to us all. Bless you Amy. We will continue the message: check for lumps and bumps.”
Amy’s friend and fellow skater Jez Snell said: “The day was filled with love, memories, smiles, glitter and rainbows! It was a beautiful thing to see all people – derby and non-derby folk – get together to celebrate Amy.
“We loved her dearly and still do. We miss her terribly and today was a great day to say goodbye and cheer her on during her final journey.”
Katy Payne added: “Glitter, rainbows and roller skates – Amy was the embodiment of team spirit at Bath Roller Derby. I’m so proud to have joined her for one last skate-out with her team, friends and family.”
A fundraiser for Dorothy House set up in memory of Amy has so far raised more than £3,500.