Mourners gather in pink for funeral of ‘deeply loved’ girl, 7, ‘murdered’ with aunt in Middlesbrough house fire

MOURNERS dressed in pink have gathered for the funeral of a “deeply loved” seven-year-old girl who was allegedly murdered in a house fire. Little Valentina Foster died alongside her aunt Natalie Foster, 34, in the devastating blaze in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire. Mourners dressed in pink gathered for the funeral of a ‘deeply loved’ seven-year-old girl Credit: NNP Little Valentina Foster died alongside her aunt Natalie Foster Credit: NNP Valentina was today laid to rest following a ceremony at St John’s Church Credit: NNP Notes on displays read ‘love you forever TT’ Credit: NNP Valentina was today laid to rest following a ceremony at St John’s Church in South Bank, North Yorkshire, following the tragedy on August 26. A white horse-drawn carriage carrying a bright pink coffin travelled down Normanby Road before the service. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It was laden with white and pink flowers reading “niece”. Dozens of the schoolgirls’ friends and family walked alongside the funeral cortege as it made its way to the church this morning. A white horse-drawn carriage carrying a bright pink coffin travelled down Normanby Road Credit: NNP Natalie McDonald also tragically perished in the fire Credit: NNP Jaden Wright, 23, was charged with two counts of murder, grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent. He is due to appear in court next Wednesday. The procession for Valentina was followed by a van containing more floral displays. They spelled out her name, “granddaughter” and fairy wings emblazoned with the words “Princess TT”. Most read in The Sun The procession for Valentina was followed by a van containing more floral displays Credit: NNP Fairy wings were emblazoned with the words ‘Princess TT’ Credit: NNP Six pallbearers, dressed in baby pink t-shirts with pictures of Valentina, lifted the coffin out of the carriage and carried it into the church. Notes on displays read “love you forever TT” and “fly high Princess”. Ahead of the service, grandma Valerie Foster had penned an emotional goodbye on social media. She wrote: “Why you princess, how do I let you go taken from us we are heartbroken I’m numb feel sick don’t even know what to say or write. “Never in this world did I think that I would have to lay you to rest before me. See you soon and give your daddy a big hug off me.” An inquest opening previously heard how heroic members of the public attempted to save Valentina and her family. In another tribute earlier this month, her heartbroken relatives described the schoolgirl as “deeply loved”. They wrote: “It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away. “She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. “Our lives have changed forever, and we are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss. “Our daughter will always be in our hearts, and her memory will live with us forever. “Forever missed by her brothers and sisters.”