Heartbroken loved ones follow tiny pink coffin for murdered Maya Louise Chappell at two-year-old’s funeral service | The Sun
HEARTBROKEN loved ones of a two-year-old who died in a suspected murder followed her tiny pink coffin at her funeral yesterday.
Maya Louise Chappell was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after a horror incident at a home in County Durham on September 28.
But despite desperate efforts, the toddler, from Shotton Colliery, died two days later in intensive care at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Michael Daymond, 26, has been charged with her murder and is set to stand trial next year.
On Sunday tiny Maya's wreath-laden pink coffin was followed by broken mourners.
Before the service, majestic grey Lipizzaner horses in pink unicorn horns and plumes towed Maya's white carriage through the streets.
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Mourners wailed from the roadside as Maya was taken on her final journey.
Silence fell over mourners gathered in the church courtyard as the coachman brought the carriage carrying her small pink coffin to a gentle halt.
Family and loved ones wiped tears as they followed the two-year-old into her funeral at Our Blessed Lady and St Joseph, near Leadgate.
Tear-jerking pictures show dad James Chappell walking shell-shocked in a pink tie as he walks his daughter to her final resting place.
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A floral tribute of white and pink flowers left outside the church read 'Maya Moo'.
As requested by her dad, Maya's well wishers wore pink, her favourite colour, to offer a touch of hope.
In a frank homily, Father John Bagnall said: "There is a tendency for some people to say, 'it must be the will of God'.
"Let us be perfectly clear God did not want this to happen to Maya."
He asked "why did this happen?" as he led a heartrending tribute to "a precious life cut short".
Music during the service included Concrete Angel by Martina McBride, Diamonds by Rihanna and Fly by Celine Dion.
Father Bagnall told the congregation their memories of Maya will "help" them in their grief.
And he said the sound of Maya's laughter, voice and funny memoires will keep "her presence alive in your hearts".
A JustGiving page set up to raise funds for Maya's funeral raised over £14,000.
'WITH YOUR GRANDMA'
One hard to read tribute read: "Keep watching over your daddy Maya and all other loved ones baby girl."
Earlier in the day dad James posted a moving message to his daughter on social media.
He wrote: "I love you so much Maya Louise Chappell, so does all your family.
"You'll be sat with your grandma and our Brooklyn and all the rest and I know you're in good hands so this isn't a goodbye forever baby girl, just a goodbye for now.
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"I'll see you again someday and I'll make everything up to you.
"Until we meet again little girl."
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