Mourners gather for funeral of Violet-Grace Youens

Violet-Grace, aged four and from Eccleston, died in the arms of her parents on Saturday, March 25, after being knocked down by a car the day earlier on Prescot Road.

The service is taking place at St Julie's Church in Eccleston.

Violet's grandmother, Angela French, who was seriously injured in the collision, is attending the service.

Violet-Grace was brought to the church in a white horse drawn hearse, which carried flowers spelling her name. Her white casket was decorated with a troll's print.

Glenn and Rebecca, Violet's parents, were among those to carry the casket into church.

Violet-Grace Youens

Many of those attending the service were brightly dressed or wearing violet.

Some children were wearing superhero costumes and princess outfits. 

The youngster’s death has shaken the community of St Helens, with thousands of people offering support, floral tributes and donations to the family.

In a moving homily, said by St Julie’s parish priest Canon Thomas Neylon, respects were paid to a girl who “won the affection of those she came into contact with” and “stirred the hearts of many more”.

Canon Neylon said: “The Catholic parish of St Teresa’s, Devon Street, welcomed Violet into the community faith when she was presented for baptism by Rebecca and Glenn, followed by Oliver. Rebecca and Glenn celebrated their marriage in this church. Family and friends who were with them then are present today in circumstances that no-one could have foreseen.”

He added: “This year we have accompanied Violet and her family during Lent in their difficult journey as they face the loss of a beautiful daughter, sister to Oliver, a granddaughter and niece.

"She won the affection of those she came into contact with during her short life and has stirred the hearts of many more who have heard of her because of her death.”

The sermon added: “Last Christmas Violet played the part of an angel in the nativity at Eccleston Mere Nursery. The nativity draws us into the mystery of God who became like each of us in His Son, Jesus Christ. Violet died on March 25, nine months before our next celebration of Christmas.

“March 25 is the feast of the Annunciation when Mary is called by God through the angel Gabriel to be a mother of Jesus. From that moment onwards, like all parents, Mary’s life is changed, as she becomes totally absorbed in the life of her son. This particular son will suffer and die at the hands of others. He dies entrusting his mother to the care of others.

“The rising of Christ from death to new life, which we have celebrated in these last days, is a sign of hope for those who are grieving for Violet.

“Violet was also given the name Grace: we associate grace with the beautiful gifts that God gives to each and every day of our life.

“She was also given the name Susan, after Glenn’s mum who died some years ago. May Violet now rest in peace with the grandmother she never knew and all who have gone before us who have lived with hope in the resurrection from death.”

The funeral also saw touching poems read, including one called ‘Tiny Angel’ which featured the lines: “So rest now, tiny angel. Your work on earth is through. In the beauty of God’s perfect love, We saw the gift in you”. 

At the family's request, details of the private service were not released ahead of this morning