Violet for Violet: Heartbroken mum carries Troll-covered coffin of girl, four, who was killed in 'hit and run'
How pubs should be serving their beer
Police at the scene of Wickford shooting and stab
Get daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
The mother of a four-year-old girl who died in an alleged hit-and-run paid a heartfelt tribute as she carried her daughter's tiny Troll-themed coffin at her funeral.
Rebecca Youens carried her daughter Violet-Grace Youens' coffin, decorated with colourful trolls, with her husband Glenn, at her memorial service in St Helens, Merseyside.
As dozens of mourners arrived wearing the colour violet to honour the little girl, Glenn wore a violet tie while Rebecca wore a violet-coloured dress and had dyed her hair the same colour, Liverpool Echo reports.
Violet-Grace's coffin arrived by horse drawn carriage and was carried into the church, where she had been baptised, to the sound of True Colours, taken from the children’s film Trolls and sung by actors Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake.
Children at the fairytale-inspired service wore superhero and fancy dress costumes to honour the child, who "won the affection of those she met and stirred the hearts of many more."
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
Violet-Grace died in an alleged hit-and-run when crossing Prescot Road, St Helens, with her grandmother on March 24. She died in her mother's arms in hospital days after the incident in St Helens, Merseyside.
Angela French, grandmother to Violet-Grace, made a brave visit to the funeral of her granddaughter in a wheelchair after being cared for in hospital since the crash.
She had violet covered blankets covering her legs in tribute to the youngster.
Mourners were told to wear violet for the service at St Julie's Church in Eccleston, St Helens, and many youngsters wore superhero costumes for the ceremony.
Parish priest Canon Thomas Neylon told the congregation how little Violet-Grace had played an angel in the Eccleston Mere Nursery nativity last Christmas. Her funeral was held at the same church where her parents got married.
Violet coloured ties, fur jackets and dresses were worn to the service. A young boy arrived wearing a Captain America costume, while another youngster entered the church in a violet coloured princess dress.
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
Violet's name in flowers was put on top of a horse-drawn carriage with messages attached "our lovely daughter" and "my big sister".
A floral tribute from Violet's nan was left in the back of the hearse with a touching message.
The eulogy to Violet-Grace was read by her mum and dad, and aunt Charlotte, before the service ended with a version of Oh Cecilia, by The Vamps.
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
(Photo: Liverpool Echo)
One of the undertakers who was leading the horses said it was an incredibly sad situation for the family to have gone through.
"You wouldn't be human if you didn't have a lump in your throat," he said.
Songs from the films Trolls, Labyrinth and Frozen were included in the funeral service.
The order of service, handed to those entering the church, was a colourful 12 page tribute to Violet-Grace that contained more than 50 pictures showcasing the magic she brought to those who loved her, as well as images of characters from Trolls and Frozen.
A message on the order of service said: "Violet-Grace's family would like to thank everyone for their love and kindness in this tragic time."
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
A party to celebrate her life was due to be held after the funeral, with bouncy castles, face painting, princesses and superheroes.
In a homily, parish priest Canon Thomas Neylon said: "This year we have accompanied Violet and her family during Lent in their difficult journey as they face the loss of a beautiful daughter, sister to Oliver, a granddaughter and niece.
"She won the affection of those she came into contact with during her short life and has stirred the hearts of many more who have heard of her because of her death."
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
(Photo: Daily Mirror)
After her death, the family said the donation of Violet-Grace's organs had saved two other lives.
In a message on her Facebook page, Mrs Youens said: "My brave baby girl saved two lives by donating her kidneys and pancreas.
"I am truly heartbroken but proud of my little fighter."
Aidan McAteer, 23, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and stealing a car.
He is due to appear at a preliminary hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on April 26 along with Dean Brennan, 27, who is charged with assisting an offender, theft of a motor vehicle and the aggravating offence of allowing oneself to be carried within a stolen vehicle.