Blackpool said a final farewell to Gayna Sedgwick as she was driven down the Golden Mile to her funeral

Former employees joined with friends and acquaintances to pay their final respects to a 'beautiful' and successful businesswoman who was 'lovely inside and out'.

The procession stopped outside the Pyramid Plaza, and Blackpool Fish Factory at 10:55am - which Gayna purchased in 2020.

Following the procession, the people gathered for a final celebration of Gayna's life - as her funeral was livestreamed and shown on all the screens in No13 Bonny Street - which was owned by Gayna.

READ MORE: Tributes pour in for Gayna Sedgwick who was 'lovely inside and out'.

Gayna was the eldest daughter of Peter Sedgwick, who bought North Pier in 2011 and Central and South Piers in 2015 but was a successful businesswoman in her own right, having bought the glass-topped Pyramid building on the Golden Mile in 2020.

Her partner, Rick Wakelin, said he is heartbroken at losing the love of his life, and described Gayna as 'My Amazing, my everything, my best friend, my love of my life." He told Blackpool Gazette: "Gayna reached out to those who she could make a difference to. Giving opportunities to people who others would look the other way from.  Her smile would make you smile, her eyes would make you feel special, she was one of a kind, unique, full of life, love and adventure."

Gayna's family said they are 'very proud of [their] beautiful daughter'.

"We loved her with all our hearts she had a wonderful personality and her friends loved her deeply. Our family will not be the same without her, she will live on through her wonderful son Jackson who as a family we are all supporting at this time."

READ MORE: Business world pays tribute to Gayna.

Darren Mason, a close friend and personal dog walker, described Gayna as the 'Queen of Blackpool's Golden Mile'. He said: "She was a force of nature and did so many good deeds for so many people that she met in her life. 

The one thing I am eternally grateful for, is that 12 years ago, though a chance encounter and getting to know Gayna I met my partner and future wife, Elayne.

Gayna is going to be missed by everyone who knew her and her memory will live on in Blackpool and beyond.”

Pearl Mina worked with Gayna as a PR and Media Creative, and also was a close friend. She said it was an 'honour and a privilege' to work with Gayna over the years, and described her as a 'super sharp business woman with a dynamic work ethic'.

“Bold, bright and beautiful with Blackpool infused in her DNA, Gayna was as dazzling as Blackpool Illuminations and her personality and light shone even brighter....[she was the] “Golden Girl” of the Golden Mile, always shining bright with a mega watt smile."