Mourners have gathered at the funeral of a "remarkable little girl" who brought "so much love and light into this world".
Six-year-old Bonnie Leigh Spence's family and loved ones gathered at Mountsett Crematorium in Stanley on Friday (August 14) to say their final goodbyes to the youngster, remembering her as a brave, funny and adventurous.
Bonnie, from Consett, died peacefully on July 29, after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family at a cottage in Hexham.
Bonnie-Leigh Spence
(Image: ANDY FUTERS PHOTOGRAPHY)
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Mourners wore a touch of yellow, Bonnie's favourite colour, and the sun beat down as the brave girl, described as a "little ray of sunshine", arrived at the crem to the sound of bagpipes.
Her coffin, carried into the church by loved ones, was adorned with flowers of the same colour and a pair of her shoes.
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Mourners were told Bonnie's life may have been short, but it was filled with an "extraordinary amount of love".
The service celebrated the little girl behind her illness, remembering her love of the outdoors, adventures, swimming, dancing and making people laugh.
Bonnie's mum Zoe described her daughter as a happy, kind and caring girl who had an incredible ability to bring people together.
Bonnie's celebration of life card
(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
She said Bonnie had a "sassy, funny personality" and "almost always knew what she wanted."
Adding: "Bonnie's my middle baby; I always used to call her the bridge between the eldest and baby sisters.
"She would always get them together and make everyone play with each other. She had an amazing ability of bringing everyone together."
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bonnie was born on December 22, 2019.
She was diagnosed with stage four Rhabdoid Sarcoma cancer in February 2025 following a biopsy and went on to undergo rounds and rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Despite the gruelling treatment, Bonnie continued to live life to the full. She had her arm amputated but amazed those around her with how quickly she adapted.
Caroline Spence, Bonnie's step mum
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
On behalf of Bonnie's dad Iain and stepmum Caroline, celebrant Gail More said: "If something was difficult, she simply figured out another way of doing it.
"She did so much. She never allowed her diagnosis to stop her from living her life."
Bonnie was described as an inspirational little girl who continued walking, climbing, swimming and exploring despite the challenges she faced.
Her family made sure her final year and a half was packed with adventures and memories.
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
She travelled to the Lake District, Scotland and Yorkshire, visited castles and theme parks, enjoyed a special trip to Disneyland Paris and spent precious time outdoors with her family.
Visiting the Lake District with her dad Iain, the pair collected seeds and brought them home to plant in the garden.
The family also welcomed puppy Hannah, with Bonnie spending hours walking through the forest surrounded by trees and nature with her dad.
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bonnie received special recognition for her courage, including a Braveheart Award.
The funeral service heard how she had inspired everyone around her through the way she handled her illness.
"Through it all, she remained the same little girl with that beautiful smile on her face," Ms More added.
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Bonnie's favourite colour was yellow and mourners wore the colour in tribute.
The service heard how yellow was "bright and warm and full of happiness, just like the sunshine".
Mourners were told to think of Bonnie as the sun itself, "always there, always shining down.
"Bonnie will always be there like a little ray of sunshine."
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Her family remembered the kindness and generosity shown to Bonnie throughout her illness, with people helping create special memories and experiences for her.
She was a mascot for Newcastle United and Rangers, and was given a specially adapted bicycle which allowed her to ride with her siblings.
Nothing, mourners were told, seemed to stop Bonnie, "Whatever challenges came her way, she adopted. She carried on. She continued to find happiness in the things and people that she loved."
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The service ended with a message that Bonnie should be remembered not simply for the illness she faced, but for the way she lived.
"We give you the opportunity to remember Bonnie for the remarkable little girl she was and always will be. Not simply for the illness she faced, but for the way she lived, for her courage, her determination, her beautiful smile, her look of adventure, the sheer joy she found in the world around her.
"Bonnie fitted so much into her six short years. She travelled, she explored, she swam, she climbed, she laughed, she loved.
"She made memories her family will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
"Nothing seemed to stop Bonnie.
Mourners gathered to pay their respects to the 'remarkable and inspirational little ray of sunshine' Bonnie, after he sad death aged six
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
"Whatever challenge came her way, she adapted and carried on. She continued to find happiness in the things and people she loved, and that is how we will remember her.
Bonnie, six, was described as the 'happiest little girl'
(Image: ANDY FUTERS PHOTOGRAPHY)
"Bonnie may have been here for far too short a time, but the love she brought into this world will last for a lifetime."
Her family thanked everyone who attended the service and for the kindness and support shown to them.
You can support the family HERE andHERE.
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Donations could also be made to Great North Children's Hospital in memory of Bonnie.
The Coop Funeralcare in Consett said it had been a priveleg and honour to arrange the "remarkable" Bonnie's funeral.
The Northern Echo attended on invite from Bonnie's family