A Keighley firm has become the first in the country to reunite grief stricken relatives living across the world for a local woman's funeral - by using the Internet.
Link Telecom, of North Street, was approached by fellow Keighley company David Galla-gher Funeral Directors, in Beeches Avenue, to help make it possible for the granddaughter of a deceased local woman to attend her funeral from Australia.
The telecommunications company was able to create a live Internet link with Sharon Wood's personal computer at her home in Adelaide, Australia, when she was unable to fly over for the service. The technology meant she could share in her family's grief and watch her grandma's funeral.
Mary Law, 89, originally from Bolton-on-Dearne, near Mexbor-ough, died on Wednesday April 25, at Steeton Court Nursing Home. in Steeton.
Her daughter Christine Wilcock, who travelled from Barnoldswick, in Lancashire, was comforted by the knowledge that her daughter, Sharon, could also attend the televised funeral service, which took place earlier this month at Oak-worth Crematorium.
Mrs Wilcock, who works for Whitakers Chocolatiers, in Skip-ton, said: "I am sure my late mother would have given her blessing to this. It was all conducted in a very delicate and sympathetic manner and makes our loss more bearable.
"It was almost as if my daughter Sharon was there herself and that we were all together. I am sure other bereaved families in a similar situation could also benefit by allowing relatives and close friends worldwide, who are unable to attend a funeral service, to actually share their grief during the final moments of their loved ones."
The Internet connection was made possible by Bryan Kirkby, a director of Link Telecom, who installed a web-cam at the crematorium and connected it to a laptop computer, enabling live pictures to be transmitted on to the company's web site and beamed directly to Sharon's computer.
Mr Kirby said: "The whole exercise proved in no way intrusive, yet it allowed the service to be transmitted to Mrs Law's granddaughter in Australia.
"As far as we are aware, it is the first time this has taken place in the UK and clearly demonstrates just what can be achieved using the latest communications technology."
Speaking from Australia, Sharon said: "I cannot thank David Gallagher and Link Telecom enough for their determined efforts that allowed me to participate and share in my grandma's service.
"Their ability to think laterally and overcome the logistics involved went way and above the call of duty. Between them, they have allowed me to be with my family at a very difficult time. This has helped me to come to terms with my loss."
Link Telecom has helped the family further by agreeing to set up a similar web-cam system for Mr and Mrs Wilcock so that they can see and talk to their daughter over the Internet on a regular basis.
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