'You've left a hole that cannot be filled': Last goodbyes to inspirational Isabella Lyttle
Mourners gave heartfelt tributes at the funeral of young Isabella who had fought cancer.
Family and friends have said their heartfelt goodbyes to 'beautiful' and 'courageous' Isabella Lyttle.
Mourners spilled out of St Francis of Assisi Church yesterday, as scores of family, friends, classmates and loved ones came to say their goodbyes to Isabella at her funeral.
The brave schoolgirl from Walsall died on April 28 at the age of 11 after battling a form of cancer called neuroblastoma since October 2010.
Pink and purple ribbons – Isabella's favourite colours – were tied to lampposts, stuck on hedges, and fixed to fences all along Mill Road, in Shelfield, on the day of the service.
St Francis Catholic Primary, Isabella's former school, closed for the day so her teachers and friends could attend.
Close friends and family members, all dressed in pink and purple colours, shared their happiest memories of the youngster during an emotional service.
Her father, Mark Lyttle, said his daughter gave him 'the best job in the world'.
"Isabella, you are and always will be my inspiration," he said.
"You completed us. You've left a hole that cannot be filled, and me and your mom are at the bottom of it wondering how on earth we're ever getting out but we will find our way out.
"Your cool, calm, collected way of dealing with things and above all else your refusal to ever give up will, and I do promise you this, help us to build a ladder and climb out or grab the rope that you'll somehow get down to us and fight with all our strength to carry on.
"You bring me so much joy. Thank you for giving me the best job in the world, being your dad."
Isabella's godmother Louise Chorley read out a tribute to Isabella on behalf of her mother Jennie Dalton. She said she did not know how she would live without her 'beautiful best friend'.
"My arms and my heart feel so empty. What I'd give for just one more night of laying in bed next to you, tickling your back for hours on end as you drift off to sleep.
"One more night of watching endless re-runs of American teen sitcoms on Nickelodeon and making your favourite meals.
"What I'd give to watch you join your friends in secondary school. You only managed a few days in September but you were so proud of yourself.
"I don't know how just yet but given time when I've allowed myself to grieve I will ensure your legacy, your kindness, your humility lives on everyday.
"Thank you for making me the person I am today and thank you for teaching me what's important in life."
A burial in Streetly followed the funeral, before a gathering at Calderfields – Isabella's favourite place to go for a carvery.
Isabella's family is fundraising to support Acorn's in Walsall. To read their thoughts on the work of staff at the charity and to donate please visit this link.
