"THE support we have had is unreal. I can't believe the way the whole community has come together for us."
Those were the words of thanks to all those who helped raise more than £3,000 in memory of baby Lexus-Rose Hall Yull who died just over a week ago after contracting meningitis.
Her mum Sita Yull, 26 of Winchester Avenue, Grimsby, said she has been "overwhelmed" by the support her family has received following the death of the eight-month-old girl.
She and Lexus-Rose's dad, Jimmy Macdougal (Hall), attended a fundraising event at The Nunsthorpe Tavern, on Friday, to help pay for the tragic tot's funeral and to raise funds for St Andrew's Hospice, where she has laid since she passed away.
Well-wishers and friends of the family had parts of their body waxed or had their heads shaved to add to the fundraising total after the event was advertised in the Grimsby Telegraph.
Sita said: "I thought there would be a good turnout, but did not imagine the number that were there.
"We wanted to raise money for the hospice because they have been fantastic. I can't praise them enough.
"It has hit me hard but it would have been much harder if it had not been for the staff at the hospice. Because she is there we have had a little extra time with her."
Four people were sponsored to have their bodies waxed – including Jimmy – and four people had their heads shaved thanks to beauticians Suzanne Terporter and Natalie Nunn.
Sita said two-thirds of the money raised will be donated to the Peak's Lane hospice and the rest will go towards the funeral, which will be conducted by Joan Jones.
The couple hope for their daughter's coffin to be carried in a white horse-drawn carriage on her final journey to Grimsby Crematorium for her funeral on Wednesday.
The grieving mum said she has chosen songs Always And Forever by Donna Lewis, The Arms Of An Angel by Sarah McLaughlin and Forever Autumn by Justin Hayward to play during the service.
Sita, who is also mum to Kade, 7, Billy, 6, and Bobby, 2, added: "When we lost Lexus it was such a shock. It happened so fast.
"I have had to stay strong for my boys."
All mourners attending Lexus-Rose's funeral at 1pm on Wednesday are asked to wear something pink.
Further advice about meningitis is available by contacting NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or the National Meningitis Trust helpline on 0800 02818.
As reported, a second child is being treated for meningitis at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, but the cases are not thought to be linked.
