British couple killed in Lisbon funicular disaster remembered in heartbreaking tributes

British couple killed in Lisbon funicular disaster remembered in heartbreaking tributes The devasted families of couple Will Nelson and Kayleigh Smith have revealed the painful void left behind as they mark one year since the Lisbon disaster The families of a British couple killed in the Lisbon funicular disaster have told of the devastating hole left in their lives one year on from the tragedy. Will Nelson, 44, and Kayleigh Smith, 36, had been looking forward to an exciting future together when they boarded the Glória funicular in the Portuguese capital on September 3 last year. But the historic hillside tram derailed and ploughed into a building, killing the couple from Macclesfield and 14 others. Twelve months on, Will’s brother Gareth said losing his big brother and “idol” had made it the most difficult year of his life. He said: “This has been the most difficult year of my life. A living hell is the best description. It is still difficult to put into words how much Will is missed. “What I have learnt ever since this began a year ago is how much he meant not just to our family but to everyone who knew him. I know of so many occasions when friends and acquaintances have said when Will helped them, fought in their corner and unselfishly gave his time to help anyway he could. He and Kayleigh loved their theatre work and to hear that their legacy will be honoured in multiple ways in multiple places fills we with pride that you wouldn’t believe." He added: "He was my big brother and idol, and I hope I can carry on his life mission to look after others.” Kayleigh’s family have also spoken of the “huge void” left by the couple as they joined a memorial event in Lisbon to mark the anniversary today. The 36-year-old had been at a hugely exciting point in her life before the trip. Just two weeks before the disaster, she had passed her master’s degree with distinction at Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre and was preparing for a career as a professional theatre director. Her loved ones said she had battled undiagnosed ADHD for much of her life before finally receiving a diagnosis in 2022, but had gone on to achieve an enormous amount. They said: “The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult for a lot of people connected with Kayleigh. Kayleigh and Will have left a huge void in our lives that cannot be filled and we will forever be reminded of that. “We are all so proud of her which makes it harder. She had just passed her master’s degree, with distinction, at the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester two weeks before the crash and was destined for a successful career as a professional theatre director having already won many awards and nominations during her theatre life. “She battled with undiagnosed ADHD all through her life until her eventual diagnosis in 2022 yet remained defiant and still achieved so much. She was a shining light and inspiration for the many people she helped and encouraged. At this point, she was the happiest she had ever been, and when she travelled with Will to Lisbon, they had many exciting plans for when they returned. “The love and support for us all has been overwhelming and we wish to thank our families, friends, professional bodies, and everybody in Kayleigh’s world. Our thoughts go out to all the families who have suffered as a result of this tragedy, the people of Kayleigh’s hometown of Macclesfield, and to the people of Lisbon. All the World’s A Stage – Shakespeare.” The pair were among passengers travelling on the 140-year-old Elevador da Glória when disaster struck. Investigators have since said an underground cable which snapped had only been acquired the year before the crash and had never been certified for passenger transportation. The cable acted as a counterweight between two carriages, according to Portugal’s Air and Rail Accident Investigations Bureau. A third British victim, Andrew David Kenneth Young, 82, from Holyhead, Anglesey, also died in the disaster. He was a transport enthusiast. Rebecca Gilmore, senior associate at law firm Hugh James, is supporting the families of all three British victims.