Sophie Atay, two, described as the true Angel of the North at her funeral service yesterday (From The Northern Echo)

Sophie Atay, two, described as the true Angel of the North at her funeral service yesterday

8:33am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in

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A BRAVE toddler who lost her 12-month battle against a rare cancer was described as the true Angel of the North, at her funeral service yesterday.

A simple but moving service was held for Sophie Atay, two, from Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, who won the nation’s heart.

Friends and family packed St Cuthbert’s RC Church, in Chesterle- Street, as her white coffin was carried in to the music of Borrowed Angel, by Mel Street.

Paying tribute, one family member said: “Sophie was exceptional in every way and touched everyone who was lucky enough to have met her. Her smile was like the sun coming through a cloud... she had such a cheeky personality.

“Sophie accepted her illness with tremendous courage. She has left such an amazing legacy and raised the profile of her illness – neuroblastoma.

“She has touched the heart of the nation. She was our true little Angel of the North.”

Sophie’s mother, Karine, 33, lit a candle in her memory, followed by a silent prayer for Sophie. She and her husband, Atakan, along with close family members, then crossed the road to Ropery Lane Cemetery for a private burial service.

Father John Reed, who conducted the service, said the family thanked staff at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, the district nurse team, Clic Sargent and The 2Simple Trust for their kindness and support.

Sophie was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in February last year.

Simon Cowell donated £100,000 towards an effort to raise £500,000 to send Sophie to the US for specialist treatment.

On Thursday night, only months after her family was told she was too ill to travel to the US, she died in the arms of her parents.

The £500,000 raised will be used by The 2Simple Trust to help other youngsters suffering from neuroblastoma.

■ The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the family’s permission.