A High Court dispute has emerged between the partner and mother of a London rail worker who died by suicide after a cancer diagnosis, over whether his body should be buried or cremated.
Simon Comerford, 36, a Transport for London employee, died in February, a year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. His girlfriend, Toni Cameron, wants him cremated, while his mother, Maria Comerford, a Roman Catholic, insists on burial, citing a phobia of fire.
Ms Cameron, who plans to use Mr Comerford's sperm for IVF to have his children, argues he was estranged from his parents for 10-15 years and would not want them involved. She has asked the High Court to release his body to her for cremation and interment at her family plot.
Ms Comerford seeks a judicial order for burial. Both agree the funeral can be at St John the Evangelist Church in Islington. The court heard a heated phone call and texts from Ms Comerford that she admits were upsetting.
Ms Cameron's barrister said Mr Comerford had been ambivalent about burial or cremation, and that he gave consent for her to use his sperm after death. The judge, Master Karen Shuman, is expected to rule later.
