SHE brightened up the lives of all those she met, so it was fitting pink would dominate the funeral of brave Carrie Wright.
About 200 people packed in to the chapel at Hull Crematorium in Chanterlands Avenue in west Hull yesterday to pay their respects to the 20-year-old.
Carrie was left physically disabled as a child following a routine operation.
She became ill with a chest infection which led to pneumonia. She died in hospital with her mum by her side on December 13.
Carrie's family were determined the day of her funeral should be one of celebrating her inspirational life rather than mourning her death. The Mail was invited to attend by her family.
Carrie's pink coffin, adorned with butterflies, arrived at the chapel in a horse-drawn carriage. She was followed by her parents Dawn and Pete Clayton, brother Connor, 14, and sister Caydee, 11 and other close family.
Most of those present wore pink or Hull FC shirts while her beloved dog Jazz, a Japanese akita, was also there.
Westlife's 'Flying Without Wings' played as the coffin was brought in and civil funeral celebrant Alastair Devine conducted the service.
He said: "Carrie would not want people to grieve in hurt or pain but to grieve with the joy she has given.
"While this maybe a funeral service we are allowed to smile and reflect on the good times."
Carrie was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition when she was nine years old and underwent surgery.
But, following the operation at Leeds General Infirmary, Carrie was left in a wheelchair and unable to walk.
Alastair said: "I find Carrie truly, truly inspirational. She never let anything get to her. She was a tough little thing.
"She was always happy and smiling. She lived life to the full and did more in her 20 years than many people do in a lifetime.
"Carrie was mentally very strong and she would just get up and get on with things."
Alastair also listed the many loves and interests in Carrie's life.
He said: "She loved wrestling and her favourite was John Cena, who she met in Liverpool, and was thrilled to be given a kiss by him.
"She enjoyed going to the rugby and her favourite player was Tom Briscoe before he moved to Leeds.
"She also watched her brother Connor play rugby for Myton Warriors.
"She also loved her dog Jazz who was so gentle with her."
Carrie's 11-year-old sister Caydee also paid tribute.
She said: "She means the world to me and she was the best thing that ever happened to me.
"She did everything with me and although Carrie is not here anymore it doesn't mean she is not with us."
Lynn Bates, a staff member at Endeavour High, where Carrie was a pupil, also shared her memories.
She said: "Carrie was made the queen at the prom and her face was unbelievable.
"I also will never forget the moment she got her exam results and squealed with delight."
'I'll See You Again' by Westlife was played as family and friends laid flowers by the coffin and consoled one another.
Alastair said: "Remember Carrie as a fun-loving, big-hearted girl, much-loved and truly inspirational.
"Carrie fought many tough battles throughout her life but this was one she just couldn't win."
