Funeral service to be a ‘celebration of Sunderland five-year-old Isla Wilkinson’s life’

The family of a Sunderland schoolgirl who died in her parents’ arms will say their goodbyes at a ‘celebration of her life’ this week.
Isla WilkinsonIsla Wilkinson
Isla Wilkinson

Five-year-old Isla Wilkinson died on Friday, December 6.

The Farringdon Primary School pupil had been rushed into hospital after falling ill at home in Plains Farm.

She came down with a cough, temperature and sickness and her heart stopped as mum Alex Williams was preparing to take her to hospital on Tuesday, December 3.

Isla was a Farringdon Primary School pupilIsla was a Farringdon Primary School pupil
Isla was a Farringdon Primary School pupil
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She passed away in Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary in the company of her loved ones.

A funeral service, described as ‘A Celebration of Isla’s Life’, will be held at St Mary and St Peter’s Church in Springwell Road at 2pm on Friday, December 20.

Marcia Hogan-Williams, Isla's aunt, described how much the RVI’s support meant to the family, particularly Alex, who shared the final hours with her daughter painting her nails, plaiting her hair and making sure she was comfortable in her pyjamas: “They got handprints and footprints from Isla for Alex to keep and she was baptised in the hospital. Those last hours with her were so valuable.”

A family photo including Isla shared by Marcia Hogan-Williams on Go Fund MeA family photo including Isla shared by Marcia Hogan-Williams on Go Fund Me
A family photo including Isla shared by Marcia Hogan-Williams on Go Fund Me
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A GoFundMe page set up by Marcia and her brother Germaine Williams to support the family when Isla first fell ill has raised more than £16,000.

The money will be used to ensure Isla has a send-off to remember, as well as supporting other families whose children fall ill.

“The Go Fund Me page is really going to help Alex to afford everything with this happening so suddenly,” said Marcia.

Isla and big brother AidenIsla and big brother Aiden
Isla and big brother Aiden
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“She wants a horse and carriage for the biggest most beautiful princess funeral possible.

“Some money will be donated to The Sick Children's Trust because we understand the invaluable support they give that other families will need.”

The cause of Isla’s death is being investigated: “She was never ill. She was a healthy little girl. It was just this once and it happened so suddenly. We’re not sure what actually caused all of this,” said Marcia.