By Maxine McArthur

POP icon Cher has paid tribute to the two men who died in the Cameron House fire as one of the victims was laid to rest.

Family and friends gathered on Friday to celebrate the life of 32-year-old Simon Midgley and his partner of six years, Richard Dyson, 38, in their home town of London.

READ MORE: Christmas tree 'may have sparked the Cameron House Hotel blaze' that killed two men

Hundreds joined Simon’s doting older sister Nicky Midgley as she led a tribute to the couple and a video of the Believe singer was played to the crowd.

In a statement posted to social media, Nicky said: “So Friday was one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful days of my life.

“We come together to say our goodbyes and celebrate the life of my beautiful hearted brother and Dickie who was equally a loving brother to me.

Glasgow Times:

“It was totally overwhelming how [hundreds] of people gathered to share their love and memories and those that couldn’t make it sending such beautiful messages too including a video from Cher herself who the boys adored!

READ MORE: Christmas tree 'may have sparked the Cameron House Hotel blaze' that killed two men

“Together we can fight through the cloud and live as they did making every moment count and living life to the full.”

She added: “Simon once said ‘never be afraid to go against the tide and fight for what you want’ and that, I will now do.

Glasgow Times:

“My heart will be forever broken and my love is stronger than ever for the boys. Sleep tight beautiful angels I will miss you everyday until we meet again #vivaforever.”

The duo were killed on December 18 as the fire swept through the five-star hotel, where they were celebrating a pre-Christmas holiday together.

Last week a fundraising campaign set up by close friends to raise £12,000 for the men’s families reached its target.

READ MORE: Christmas tree 'may have sparked the Cameron House Hotel blaze' that killed two men

Pals Katie Horbury and Claire Wilson took to the JustGiving page to thank people for their support.

They said: “The awareness of what happened at Cameron House has spread so vastly that all of Sie and Dickie’s loved ones have been overwhelmed by the love and support that they have received so far. It is a true reflection of how precious the boys were to everyone who knew them.”

Nicky also thanked the Balloch community for their support, stating she and her family had had “nothing but love and support” from locals.

She added: “The community in Scotland have been very kind to us.”

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the blaze, but work must be carried out first to ensure the building’s safety.

David McGown, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s assistant chief officer and Cameron House incident commander told the Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter, said: “This is a complex investigation into an extremely serious incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of two lives. It is important to allow the investigation team to continue, and conclude, their work to establish the full facts and circumstances.”