Hundreds gather to say goodbye to beautiful Sunderland five-year-old Isla Wilkinson who 'lived life to the full'

Five-year-old Isla from Plains Farm, sadly died in her parents’ arms at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary on Friday, December 6, just days after falling ill at home.

A princess-themed funeral service celebrating of her life was held at St Mary & St Peter's Church, on Springwell Road, Sunderland, which saw hundreds of people wearing pink turn out to pay their respects.

A horse-drawn carriage led the procession to the church on Friday, December 20, where mourners attended a service conducted by Rev Kathryn Bagnall and Rev Jeremy Chadd.

Rev Bagnall said: “Isla lived life to the full and enjoyed every minute of it.

“She just adored her family and loved being with them.

“She was loved by everyone who met her.

“Confident and sociable, Isla was friends with everyone at school.

“She loved her life.

“She loved holidays and was lucky enough to go to Spain and fly on a plane.

“But she also loved the simple things like standing in the bridge at Beamish … and loved being at home with her family.”

Family and friends gathered also heard of Isla’s love of singing and dancing and being the centre of attention.

Little Isla was also remembered as a ‘very bright little girl’ who could even play chess.

Inside the church there were pink balloons spelling out Isla’s name, and those gathered sang the hymns ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.’

It was also heard how Isla was a big fan of artist George Ezra and the service finished with his song ‘Shotgun.’

The service then continued at Sunderland Crematorium.

It followed a Go Fund Me fundraiser set up for Isla which raised more than £16,000 to support the family's funeral costs so that they can give the much-loved youngster the most beautiful princess-style send-off possible.

The money will also help other families whose children fall ill through The Sick Children's Trust.