Unicorn-themed send-off for '˜wonderful' Alison

People wore purple and blue unicorn jumpers and clutched stuffed toys and teddy bears as they said goodbye to a '˜wonderful' and '˜charming' young girl.
Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side LaneFuneral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane
Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane

Alison Hayden, 11, died on November 11 after a year-long battle with a rare type of bone cancer.

Her mum Amanda, dad Richard and older sister Rebecca, along with family and friends, paid tribute to the youngster’s bravery at her funeral at St Christopher’s Church on Hawes Side Lane yesterday.

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Family and friends dressed as fluffy unicorns - Alison’s favourite animal - in her memory, while soulful renditions of Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love and Anna Kendrick’s When I’m Gone were played.

Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side LaneFuneral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane
Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane

In a reading at the church, Richard, of Lennox Gate, in South Shore, said: “Her infectious laugh could light up a room. It was impossible not to be charmed by Alison.

“There could never have been enough time to spend with our wonderful daughter. Our lives will never be the same without her.

“She will live forever in our hearts.”

Rebecca said: “Alison has always been a character, one who is as loving as anyone can ever be.

Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side LaneFuneral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane
Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane
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“She had everyone wrapped around her finger. Her charming little smile will never leave my memory.

“She will always be in our hearts for as long as we live.

“This isn’t goodbye, and we will see her again soon.

“Never take anyone for granted because you don’t know how fast you’re going to lose them.”

Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side LaneFuneral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane
Funeral of Alison Hayden at St Christopher's Church on Hawes Side Lane

Alison, who loved collecting dolls and watching Disney films, won Radio Wave’s prestigious Bravest Youngster award last year.

She was a pupil at Hawes Side Academy, and was a member of Blackpool scouts.

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At the funeral, Father Stuart Tomlinson described the youngster as ‘a star’ and a ‘supernova’, praising her generosity and charisma.

Alison’s mum Amanda said: “It’s amazing that everyone came out here to send her off.”