A princess-obsessed five-year-old has been given a fittingly colourful farewell after losing her battle with cancer.
Hundreds attended the funeral of Eileidh Paterson yesterday, many of whom had dressed in superhero costumes or pink frocks in her honour.
Eileidh’s family decided that the service should reflect the bubbly youngster’s personality by being “fit for a princess”.
And her coffin, which was bright pink, was brought to Aberdeen Crematorium by a horse-drawn carriage.
The cortege was led by a cavalcade of about 30 motorcycles, with a bright pink lorry emblazoned with images of popular children’s characters following behind.
Pop tunes blared from the Jim Jamieson Quarries Ltd truck, which had “Eileidh” registration plates added for the occasion.
Celebrant Susan Newman, who conducts both humanist and religious services, led proceedings.
She said: “While we think of Eileidh’s passing with sadness, we should also be thankful for her life.
“Throughout her illness, she showed great strength and determination, and continued to smile.”
Ms Newman read tributes from nurses at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, who described Eileidh as “very bossy but always in a good way”.
Another message from the Clic Sargent cancer charity said the Forres five-year-old was “full of fun”.
A song from Australian musician Amelie Bottrill, inspired by Eileidh’s courage in the face of illness, was played as scenes from her life were shown on a projector screen.
Eileidh’s sister, Cerys, read out a poem which featured the lines “we’re sisters for life”.
As the ceremony concluded, Let It Go from Disney’s Frozen was played.
Eileidh died on Saturday, July 1, after battling the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma for three years.
Less than two weeks earlier, she “married” pal Harrison Grier in a fairytale-inspired ceremony at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Footage from the moving event has since racked up millions of views over the internet.
Children’s entertainment firm, Love Rara, helped put the touching ceremony together.
And the same princesses who helped make Eileidh’s big day special brought that same spirit to a princess party following the funeral, as they danced the afternoon away with her little friends.
There were also candy floss machines, a sweetie stand and even a magician at the Hilton Treetops Hotel for the bash held in Eileidh’s honour.
