Family say emotional farewell to brave Margot Martini

The short but rich life of toddler Margot Martini captured in a single sentence.

The two-year-old's heartbroken family paid an emotional final farewell to the inspirational tot at a private funeral this week, vowing: 'Margot will always stay with us. In our hearts and in our memories'.

The service took place on Tuesday at Mortlake Crematorium in Richmond after Little Margot died on October 27 after a courageous battle with leukaemia.

Mother Vicki, who is originally from Essington, said: "Margot was beautiful on the inside and out.

"She was generous and thoughtful. Brave and considerate. Clever and funny. Cheeky and assertive.

"She was a joy to have in our life. I was so proud of her. She was the little girl I had always wanted.

"I had plans for Margot and I. Things that I was looking forward to us doing together. Like buying shoes and her trying on my wedding dress.

"Teaching her family recipes and how to use my sewing machine.

"I feel distraught that I can't have my daughter. And I will never get to do those simple things with her. I feel robbed. It's so unfair. I loved Margot with all my heart and I will miss her terribly.

"We are saying goodbye to Margot today. But she continues to make me proud and my love for her will never diminish.

"I will hold Margot in my heart forever."

Her father Yaser added: "Margot was such a perfect, wonderful blessing; she enriched all of our lives.

"And yet, I feel that Margot is still with us.

"And I know that Margot will always stay with us. In our hearts and in our memories. And hopefully she will regularly grace us in our dreams.

"It was Dr Seuss who said: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened'.

"This is how we wish to remember our daughter and also how we would like others to feel about Margot, her journey, the incredible impact she had on people whilst she was with us and the legacy she leaves behind.

"This is after all a celebration of her life.

"Margot lit a flame in us and in so many others, none more so than the people that rallied around during the darkest days. It was these same people, you, that helped us find purpose and at times, perspective, even when going through something as unthinkable as losing a child. We've taken to calling and referring to these wonderful people as: Team Margot."

Margot touched the lives of millions as the princess fighting the odds against leukaemia with the army of Team Margot behind her. But little Margot's rollercoaster battle with the disease came to an end last month after her cancer returned.

Reverend Dorothy Moore Brooks, the Chaplain from Great Ormond Street Hospital carried out the service.