Wanted a FUNeral

Flowers spelling out ‘Jessica’ are displayed in the window of the hearse, with more flowers spelling out ‘roar.’

Pink

The community in Harefield got together to decorate as much of the area as possible in pink in memory of Jess.

Suzy Flood, who took the photos, wrote on social media: “Moved beyond words today.

”When a little girl’s smile and laughter brought a village, and people from across the world, together. Pink ribbons have been put up in Harefield in honour and memory of the very beautiful Jess who tragically lost her battle with neuroblastoma, age 10. RIP beautiful.”

Louise Walker, Jess’s grandmother, said: “Since her death, we have had amazing support, especially in Harefield and Ruislip. I have not seen it myself but I’m told Harefield has gone completely pink for her because it was her favourite colour and Ruislip is doing the same.

“Jess organised her own funeral when she realised that there was not anymore hope.

“We had lots of difficult conversations and she told us exactly what she wanted, which made it less hard for us.

“She said she did not want anyone to be sad and she wanted them to have fun, although I told her I couldn’t promise that no one would cry.

“She chose her own music, including her favourite song ‘Roar’ by Katy Perry, which she always said was written about her, because she wanted a lot of dancing.”

IMAGE OF JESS: RACHEL WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY Brave Jess Shepherd, 10, said she didn’t want people to be sad at her funeral and decided there should be colour and music there

There were tears at the service but also moments of the joy inspired by Jess