This is Scunthorpe -- Hundreds of mourners gathered in shades of green at the Wesley Church in Epworth for the funeral of brave youngster Alexander Strong. Alexander, 7, of Burnham Road, Epworth suffered from neuroblastoma – a rare form of children's cancer.The youngster had tried all UK treatment opportunities available and after a three year battle with the disease he died peacefully at Bluebellwood Children's Hospice, near Sheffield on January 25.
Characters from Alexander's favourite sci-fi film Star Wars led the hearse from the family home to the chapel on foot and as they arrived on the town's High Street, scores of green balloons with messages scribbled on them, were released into the sky, ahead of the 11.30am service.
Alexander's dad, Mark Strong, was one of the pallbearer's who helped carry his son's photograph decorated coffin.
Floral tributes that read 'our little prince Lex' and the helmet of Alexander's favourite fictional character Rex were carried inside, along with a large canvas print of Alexander and his sister Olivia that was on display at the front of the chapel.
During the service, led by Reverend David Leese, tributes were paid to Alexander from friends and family, while prayers and poems gave thanks for his life.
A minute's applause was held in support of the Strong family and in memory of Alexander. The funeral concluded at 1pm with a cremation service at Scunthorpe's Woodlands Crematorium where Alexander's parents Mark and Maxine and his sister Olivia, were joined by family and friends to say their final goodbyes before joining a celebration of Alexander's life this afternoon at the Lincolnshire Golf Club. Reported by This is 4 days ago.