Family's tribute to Robert Coulter

The couple, who had been teenage sweethearts, had just bought a new home in Lanark and were expecting their second child.

But in August, with very little warning, Robert was diagnosed with cancer and the disease was so aggressive that nothing could be done.

Robert and Becky had planned to marry in February but, as the end

approached, the wedding date was brought forward.

They were married in their new home on December 23, and Robert died the

following day, Christmas Eve, at the age of only 31.

Now his family are left stunned at the loss of a young man who had always been fit and healthy.

Robert is the older son of Lanark builder Bobby and Janice Coulter.

Janice said this week: "All of a sudden, he was just ill. He had been completely fit and healthy until this point."

St Nicholas Church was packed on Thursday for the funeral, taken by Rev Alison Meikle, and a collection brought in 1386 which, along with family donations, will go to Cancer Research.