THE sun shone down on Lucy Sutton yesterday as hundreds of mourners paid tribute to the brave seven-year-old who brought a smile to the face of everyone she met.
About 200 people attended her moving funeral at the Grimsby Crematorium, where the brave little girl was described as "an inspiration who taught us all to live our lives to the full whatever hardships we face".
Friends and family paid a teary farewell to the young Scartho girl who battled against osteosarcoma.
The "cheeky monkey" sadly passed away at St Andrew's Hospice last Friday, with her family by her side.
Her father Tony told the congregation about some of his fondest memories.
He said: "Whenever I think of Lucy, the first thing that springs to mind is her smile. Whoever met her, be it a doctor or nurse, a friend, or a random person on the street, they always left with a smile on their face.
"We were in Lapland with Helen Skelton from Blue Peter, and Lucy was sitting on her knee. She says to her 'that's my Dad, she thinks you're cute!'.
"She also liked Chris Kamara although she thought he was a bit crazy. The only person she didn't like was the politician Alex Salmond, so she obviously had impeccable taste," he joked.
"Another funny story that I will never forget was when she was being photographed by the Telegraph for the first time with her wig. She didn't want her picture taken so I asked her if she would do it for a fiver. Her reply was 'give me £10 and it's a deal'.
"There are so many of these memories, she was cheeky to the end. I have so much love for my baby and I will always smile when I think of her."
Robin Parker, who led the service, paid a moving tribute to Lucy before reciting a poem called A Child Loaned.
This seemed aptly appropriate with the words: "But should the angels call for her much sooner than we planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."
He added: "Today we say a final goodbye to a very special lady and pay tribute to her life.
"Her life, despite being brief, was amazing. We need no reminding that she touched so many hearts.
"The story of Lucy's amazing life started before she was even born. Tony and Catrina were on holiday in Rome, when they saw the Pope's vehicle pass by them at the Vatican.
"Tony said to Catrina, 'you have just been blessed'. A few weeks later, it emerged that Lucy was on her way. Of course, she was fashionably late and it wasn't an ideal birth, but Lucy nestled her head on her father's shoulders – something the midwives had never seen before.
"From then on, she continued to amaze and do things other children her age couldn't. She was so articulate and knowledgeable with words, and she enjoyed the company of adults. She was grown up well beyond her years.
"She made sure she attended schools even when she had extended stays in hospital. She worked from home just to make sure she never missed out on her schoolwork."
Staff from Lucy's school also spoke of their memories.
Mark Perry, head teacher at New Waltham Academy, said: "It is impossible to capture everything I want to say. Lucy was fearless, she experienced many treatments but during her time at school she never complained.
"I saw her run happily around the playground several times playing tig. Lucy was a cheeky monkey, on many occasions she would raise her hair and say 'look Sir, I still have more hair than you!'.
"I am very proud to say I was her head teacher, she will continue to be an inspiration to us all. She has taught us all to live our lives to the full whatever hardships we face."
Deputy head teacher Jayne Perry added: "I am deeply proud of New Waltham Academy. But today I am desperately trying to find the words.
"It is fair to say that Lucy had a great impact on my life. I am sure everyone here has their own story to tell.
"She was an inquisitive child. She often kept her thoughts to herself but it was clear she was taking everything in.
"She was always smiling and caring to others. She continued to remain reserved throughout her time here, but she was always full of enthusiasm and worked to the best of her ability.
"She also had a great determination and bravery to beat cancer, and kept that strength and resolve in her final hours.
"She will always remain in our hearts."
Pure Imagination, a song from the film Charlie And The Chocolate Factory was played during the service.
Mourners were then led out of the chapel to Ellie Goulding's How Long Will I Love You, as pictures from Lucy's life were shown on the big screen.
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