Tears flow as friends and the public bid farewell to Fei Fei

More than 6,000 people from around the world mourn star

More than 6,000 people filled the Coliseum yesterday to mourn Lydia Sum Tin-ha, whose trademark laughter entertained Hong Kong households for decades.

Long-time showbusiness friends and fans from all over the world converged on the Hung Hom venue with white roses to pay tribute to a woman they said embodied the best spirit of Hong Kong people.

In the first memorial service held at the Coliseum, about 15 close friends took turns praising Sum's courage, selflessness and talent. Sum, also know as Shum and commonly known as Fei Fei or Fatty, died of cancer on February 19 aged 62.

TVB said yesterday it had issued about 6,000 tickets for the two-hour memorial service to members of the public. The event, which was also attended by 800 of Sum's friends and relatives, concluded with 1,600 fans queuing to bid farewell to their star with her favourite champagne roses.

Actor and director Eric Tsang Chi-wai said in his tribute Sum was more than four hours early when attending TVB's annual awards night in November to receive her life achievement award - her last appearance on screen. A few minutes before she was due to appear on stage, her hands were shaking and she told staff she was very nervous, he recalled.

'This could never have happened to Fei Fei. But now I understand,' said a tearful Tsang. 'She knew that could be her last time to see you all on screen, and she wanted to try the best she could to express her feelings at the bottom of her heart.'