Mourners came together to say an emotional goodbye to a six-year-old girl who died following a battle with a rare form of cancer. Bonnie-Leigh Angela Spence was diagnosed with terminal rhabdoid sarcoma cancer after a lump developed on her arm.
The youngster, from Consett, County Durham, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had her left arm amputated during treatment. She was surrounded by her loved ones when she sadly passed away on July 29 this year.
Funeral Service at Mountsett Crematorium
On Friday morning, dozens of people gathered at Mountsett Crematorium in Dipton, for Bonnie's funeral service. Those who attended were asked to wear yellow - her favourite colour.
A Scottish piper walked in front of the hearse which held Bonnie's coffin as it was driven into the crematorium just before 11am. Floral tributes which read 'Bonnie' and 'Sister' sat alongside her coffin and her pair of customised Converse trainers sat on top.
Life Filled with Love
Grieving family and friends entered the service to the song 'Stargazing' by Myles Smith and a picture of Bonnie smiling was on the screen. The funeral celebrant opened by saying "Although Bonnie's life was far too short, it was a life filled with an extraordinary amount of love."
Bonnie, who was treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle, was described as a "fun-loving, adventurous, determined" little girl who loved being outdoors. She was said to have had a "beautiful smile" with her through everything.
In a reading, Bonnie's mum Zoey said that losing her arm wasn't a struggle for her and she amazed everyone with how well she adapted. She said she was kind and caring and brought people together, adding: "She is and always will be my beautiful brave Bonnie."
Diagnosis and Treatment
Bonnie originally lived with her mum in Burnley, Lancashire, and was diagnosed with cancer in February 2025. Following her diagnosis, she moved to County Durham to live with her dad Iain and step-mum Caroline so she could receive the best possible treatment.
The service heard how Bonnie loved swimming, visiting castles and football. She was a mascot for Rangers FC as well as Newcastle United, where she walked out with former captain Bruno Guimarães during the Champions League game against PSV.
Bonnie also turned on Durham Christmas lights, reached the final round of a local photography competition and received a Braveheart award for courage. Caroline had a doll with an amputated arm specially made for her in the USA.
Final Farewell
A presentation of photos of Bonnie appeared on the screen as 'In The Stars' by Benson Boone was played. It featured pictures of Bonnie as a baby as well as recent pictures of her battling cancer.
The service ended with the funeral celebrant remembering Bonnie as the "remarkable" little girl who fitted so much into her six short years. There were tears as the song 'Loch Lomond' by Runrig played and the curtains closed around her coffin.
