CROWDS gathered to pay their last respects to a brave Immingham teenager who sadly lost her battle with cancer, earlier this month.
As reported, 17-year-old Shannon Davis passed away on November 14 after fighting the disease for two-and-a-half years, beating it once before it returned this summer.
Yesterday, friends and family gathered to say goodbye to brave young Shannon, who sister Emma described as "an inspiration".
More than 100 people arrived, many wearing purple – Shannon's favourite colour – to see her lilac coffin carried into Grimsby Crematorium to Rock 'n' Roll Train by ACDC, a band that she worshipped.
Joan Jones, who led the service to celebrate Shannon's life, said: "Shannon maintained a sense of humour throughout her illness, which she fought with much courage and always made time to cheer up the younger ones in the hospital, who she loved.
"Make room for Shannon, think about her often, use the sayings and phrases that she would use and she will live on in all of you."
Mrs Jones described the former Oasis Academy Immingham and Whitgift student as a happy and outgoing young girl who loved life and was having a ball.
However, in 2010, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia – but thanks to a groundbreaking new drug, she went into remission, which meant she could have a bone marrow transplant in September 2011, said Mrs Jones.
Shannon started to get her life back on track, beginning a course at Grimsby Institute, growing her hair back and enjoying the life of a teenager with her friends.
She even managed to beat swine flu and pneumonia while her immune system was still recovering.
However, in May, Shannon became ill again and discovered that the leukaemia had returned – which she had suspected.
Joan read how Shannon enjoyed the last six months of her life, going on a family holiday to Butlin's in Ingoldmells – which 14 members of her family attended – staying in the Lake District with her parents and an auntie and uncle and going out with friends.
Shannon even had her 18th birthday party a month early on Friday, November 2, which she described as the best night of her life, Joan read.
"Her mother Pat said that she was so glad she moved the birthday party forward," added Joan.
Members of Shannon's family collectively read out a short poem that they had written, dedicated to her.
A number of people put purple flowers on the coffin after the final song of the service – Fun's We Are Young – before the committal.
The family asked the congregation to make donations to Isabelle's Appeal – an attempt to raise £250,000 needed to take a seven-year-old girl to Germany for treatment for a very aggressive form of childhood cancer.
Shannon and Isabelle, as well as their families, had got to know each other while both being treated at Sheffield's Children's Hospital at the same time.
To donate to Isabelle's Appeal or find out more, visit www.issabellesappeal.co.uk
Shannon's family is also holding a fundraiser for the appeal on December 8.
Tickets are £5 and can be bought at the Bluestone Inn, Jane's Gems Florist, or by calling Emma Norris on 07769267322.
