Parents' pride at tributes for Becky Bell

Jan 29 2012 by Ruth Lawson, Sunday Sun

PARENTS of cancer victim Becky Bell have spoken of their pride at the tributes pouring in from all corners of the world.

The family of the brave seven-year-old have been inundated with messages of condolence from family, friends and those who followed Becky’s struggle over the last six months, including stars such as JLS, Justin Bieber and Amanda Holden.

Mark and Julie, who also have two other children, Vicki, 23, and Mark, 11, have been overwhelmed at the support they have received from not just those close to them but also from the wider community.

“It’s been unbelievable, there’s been all sorts of messages of support coming in,” said Mark.

“It went worldwide on Twitter and apparently it was one of the most mentioned subjects on one day.

“There have also been lots of tributes from people like JLS and Justin Bieber as well.”

He added: “Hearing things like that makes us really proud.”

The tributes continued to flow in following Becky’s funeral at St Aiden’s Church in Hartlepool on Friday, where hundreds gathered to say a final goodbye to the plucky youngster who lost her battle against a brain tumour last week.

Mark and Julie, 40, were keen to ensure their little girl’s funeral reflected everything she encapsulated in her life and said it was an obvious choice to make it princess-themed.

Mark, 36, said: “We asked everyone to wear pink and I heard that the town pretty much sold out of pink ties, which all the men were buying, and pink scarves for the ladies.

“We’ve had so much support in the run-up to the funeral, with so many people popping in helping us get everything sorted and, as expected, there was a massive turnout.”