Farewell to 'Robbie the brave' - South Shields boy, three, remembered for courage after tragic cancer battle

Three-year-old Robbie Elliott from the Nook area of South Shields, died surrounded by his family at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle on Friday, May 21 following a short battle with cancer.

The much-loved little boy was found to have had multiple tumours in his body and had been receiving treatment, but the family were later informed that he had widespread undifferentiated mesenchymal cancer and there was nothing they could do.

Robbie’s funeral was held at St Mark & St Cuthbert's Church on Quarry Lane, South Shields on Friday, June 4.

Those gathered wore bright colours to celebrate the life of ‘Robbie the brave,’ with many wearing white T-shirts bearing a photograph of the Mortimer Infants School pupil.

White horses, adorned with colourful feathered headdresses, led the funeral procession as Robbie was taken to the church in a glass carriage.

The service, conducted by Reverend Kate Boardman, paid tribute to Robbie by sharing moving memories of the much-loved little boy, whose coffin was decorated with Toy Story characters.

Mourners took time to reflect while they listened to ‘Don’t Give Up On Love’ by Dekade and ‘Dancing In The Sky’ by Dani and Lizzy.

The service also featured songs ‘Rockabye’ by Clean Bandit and ‘Heaven’ by DJ Sammy, while the beautiful order of service reflected Robbie’s love of Toy Story and Paw Patrol and included an array of family photographs.

A collection was held for The Sick Children’s Trust in memory of Robbie following the service on request of the family.

Robbie’s mum, Kayleigh Johnston, 28, and step-dad, Corey Wilson, 30, who have remembered Robbie as ‘the most perfect little boy with a heart of gold,’ have thanked the community for rallying around the family at this difficult time.

It comes after a fundraiser to support them and cover the funeral costs, which was organised by Robbie's godparents, Stephen and Vikki Williams, raised £6,035.

The family also held a balloon release at Temple Memorial Park in South Shields on Sunday, May 30 in tribute to Robbie, who loved to visit the play area there.

Robbie also leaves behind his little brother, Alfie Elliott, two, and big sister, Ava Elliott, six; dad, Dean Elliott; and his three grandmothers, Sue, Geraldine and Lisa, as well as his granddad, Paul.

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