In a fitting tribute to the couple, who meet at the stadium, family and friends gathered in the main spectator stand at the Sheffield Tigers' home as two matching Hearses pulled on to the track.

Darren and Sharon, of Belvedere Parade, Bramley, Rotherham, were killed in a crash on the A631 between Maltby and Tickhill, when their motorbike was in a head-on collision with a lorry.

Among those saying their final farewells under the grey skies was their 12-year-old son Jack, who stood with both sets of grandparents, who are now caring for him.

The service was led by the Revd Nick Dawson.

Dido's 'White Flag' was played over the venue's speakers before opening prayers, and the hymn 'Abide With Me'.

Sign the book of condolence

Sharon Wadsworth spoke on behalf of Darren's sisters Vicki and Mandi, of Brisbane, Australia, who were unable to attend.

On behalf of Mandi, Sharon said: "Words cannot describe the pain I feel and how much I am going to miss him. I just hope he knows how proud I was to have him as my brother.

"We must celebrate their lives and be thankful that we were fortunate to have known them, even though it feels like it was such a short time."

Sharon added on behalf of Vicki: "Some people are not lucky enough to meet their soulmate in life, but we know that they both did."

Friend and colleague Sue Zahra-Hall from Irwin Mitchell solicitors, where Sharon worked as a secretary, spoke of her "fun-loving personality" and "laugh that erupted fast and loud."

She added: "She was a grafter in the true sense of the word - in my opinion she was the best secretary to lighten the doors at Irwin Mitchell and I don't think many people would disagree.

"She was a loyal, generous friend and colleague, and my life is so much the richer for having her in it."

Tributes to the couple, who first met as teenagers at the Sheffield speedway track, have flooded in from fans of the sport around the world.
Ivan Mauger OBE and MBE, six times Speedway world champion, sent his condolences, describing Darren, Sharon and Jack as an "extremely happy family."

In a short address Revd Dawson praised Darren's "energy and zest for life".

He said: "He made people feel good to be around and brought so much colour to the world. He was a great encourager of people, and such an inspirational guy."

He described Sharon as the "handbrake" in their relationship.

"She kept him on the level," he said, "when perhaps his head was in the clouds, she was his voice of reason, his vital cog."

"They were husband and wife; they were lovers in love; they were the best of friends."

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