Family and friends say farewell to brave Blaise
DRESSED in brightly coloured macs, wellies and holding rainbow umbrellas, mourners gathered outside Blaise Nelson’s home ready to celebrate his short but joyful life.
Seven-year-old Blaise died last month after a battle with a rare form of brain cancer.
His fight against the disease was often difficult, but his parents say he refused to let it define him.
Instead, Blaise spent his last year playing with friends, learning at school, dancing, singing and enjoying life.
The hundreds of people who turned out to his funeral in Didsbury were testament to the impact Blaise made on so many lives.
The funeral procession started at the Nelsons’ home on Parrswood Road.
Flashes of pink - Blaise’s favourite colour - peppered the procession as friends and family made their way the short distance to East Didsbury Methodist Church.
Loved ones filled the church and the adjacent hall as videos of Blaise’s happiest moments were played on screens. During one moving moment, the congregation joined in, as family friend Yvonne Shelton sang an acapella solo of Damian Markey’s ‘We’re Gonna Make It’.
Blaise’s school, Broad Oak Primary, was closed for the day so friends, parents and teaching staff could attend the ceremony. After a private cremation, the family joined Blaise’s friends at Old Bedian’s Sports Centre for a special ‘Life After’ party.
Blaise was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours last year, including one the size of a satsuma.
The little schoolboy went through major surgery, chemotherapy and several rounds of radiotherapy.
Blaise’s parents, Rachel and Chris, previously described their son as ‘fearless’, ‘quietly brave’ and ‘a tenacious master’.
He spent his last days surrounded by his friends and family.