THE life of a Wrexham girl whose brave battle with illness touched hearts across the nation has been celebrated.

Well over 100 people attended the funeral of two-year-old Lilly Louise Lawrence which was held at St Giles' Parish Church in Wrexham yesterday.

Lilly - who had a several conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, chronic lung disease, pulmonary vein stenosis and global developmental delay - died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital's children's ward on April 20.

She was brought to and taken from the church in a pink horse-drawn carriage.

Parents Ryan Lawrence and Louise Williams, of Caia Park in Wrexham, were among those who brought Lilly into the church, accompanied by the song You Are My Sunshine.

Rev Stan Walker, who led the service, paid tribute to a "very active young lady" who "really enjoyed painting".

He added: "Everybody loved her. Although she wouldn't go anywhere they all came to her. She was like a magnet to us all."

The congregation - many of whom came in bright colours to celebrate Lilly's life - sung All Things Bright and Beautiful and Morning Has Broken.

There was also reading from the Gospel of John, the story Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney and a poem entitled Silent Child.

The service ended with the theme tune to Peter Rabbit, one of Lilly's favourite television shows.

A private ceremony was held afterwards at Plas Acton Cemetery.

BBC Wales featured Lilly's story in the The Children’s Ward, which followed the challenges faced by young patients at the Maelor.

Lilly's parents previously told the Leader they received messages of support from viewers.

Apart from spells at Hope House along with Great Ormond Street and Alder Hey Hospitals, Lilly spent her short life at the Maelor, where staff became like a second family.

Doctors told Lilly's family that she probably would not stand or walk, and might never talk.

But Lilly defied expectations and managed to walk a short distance with a frame, could say some words in both English and Welsh - and even picked up some sign language.

Of Lilly, who also had Down's syndrome, Louise added: "She was always happy. Any time you'd go and see her, she'd always have a smile on her face - she'd never be down or grumpy."