People in a Cumbrian town have come together to mark the life of Poppy Atkinson, the Manchester United-supporting schoolgirl who died after being struck by a car while playing on a sports pitch.
Mourners at the talented young footballer’s funeral service were asked to wear red by the 10-year-old’s family.
They also requested that anyone lining the streets of Kendal, Cumbria, pay their respects by wearing red or football shirts.
An artist’s impression of the youngster with a football by her side, in a poppy field looking at Old Trafford, had been painted on to one side of the coffin.
The hearse carrying the coffin of 10-year-old Poppy Atkinson makes its way to Kendal Parish Church ahead of her funeral service. Pic: PA
Poppy Atkinson. Pic: Cumbria Police
Poppy’s parents, Ben and Clare, and seven-year-old brother Edward, as well as other members of her family, were in the congregation at Kendal Parish Church.
Players and officials from local junior football teams, many wearing Manchester United shirts with the number 10 and Poppy on the back were also there.
Mourners formed a “guard of honour” in the church grounds where earlier four young boys with “Poppy” football shirts kicked a football around.
Mourners gathered outside Kendal Parish Church. Pic: PA
Pic: PA
Tributes were read out by her parents, her headteacher at Old Hutton CE Primary School, Nick Turley, and one of her local football coaches, Corey Smith.
Classmates from the school’s choir sang a pop medley for the congregation in her honour.
Hundreds of mourners clapped as the funeral procession made its way through the town centre later. A private burial followed.
Following Poppy’s death, her family said the schoolgirl, who was in the under-12s team at Kendal United and also played at county level, was “100% determined to be a professional footballer”, and one day play for Manchester United.
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Her family said Poppy idolised the team and England players Ella Toone and Kobbie Mainoo, as well as Lioness Georgia Stanway and former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi “to name a few”.
Police investigating the collision during a football practice session at Kendal Rugby Club earlier this month arrested a 40-year-old man from Lancaster on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He was later released from custody.
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