Big turnout expected at youngster's funeral

A little girl from Shropshire who "had a smile that could melt your heart" has died at the age of nine.

Lucy Edwards, of Newport, was born with severe cerebral palsy and had epilepsy. She died in her mother Rachel's arms at Hope House Children's Hospice after watching her favourite Disney film Finding Nemo.

And it was expected to be standing room only today at Telford Crematorium at 4pm where a funeral service for the youngster, who would have been 10 next month, was taking place.

The Bridge Special School pupil, who was known as Princess Lucy after the fund set up to raise money to give her the chance to swim with dolphins, died on July 24.

Mrs Edwards, of Roddam Court, who has another daughter, Holly, 13, and son, Jack, 11, and is married to Martyn, said Lucy, who could not feed herself of speak, was a real character.

"She was really cheeky and had a naughty sense of humour," she said. "She would giggle her head off when ambulances went past."

Mrs Edwards added: "She had a smile that could completely melt your heart."

She also paid tribute to the Hope House staff who helped support the family after Lucy was born.

"Hope House is an absolutely amazing place and the staff are just astounding, the whole service was incredible."

At 3.15pm, before the funeral, there was due to be a procession along Newport High Street led by Telford biking group, Bug Splatz.