TODAY was the day the family supporters of Unbeatable Eva hoped they would never see.

Despite a devastating diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) just over a year ago, the remarkable and fearless Eva Grace Williams, 10, made them believe she would get better.

The "kind and caring" girl inspired thousands of people to support fundraising efforts to treat her, and those attending the service to celebrate her life heard that she attended every treatment session with a smile.

Her focus was to get better and those lining Chester Road to give her the send off she deserved knew that today was not the last they would talk of and remember Eva.

The funeral began outside the family home in Marford at 12.30pm. Eva was carried in a unicorn-drawn carriage, with friends and neighbours gathered to give her a round of applause.

Paul and Carran Slapa with their daughter Eva Williams

Paul and Carran Slapa with their daughter Eva Williams

Paul and Carran with Eva

Purple was Eva's favourite colour. 400 purple balloons were placed along the route from Marford to Gresford and many people wore an item of purple.

Families lined the route to Pentrebychan Crematorium, with many choosing to gather at the Rofft Primary School where Eva was a pupil or The Plough in Gresford where people were able to leave gifts and messages at the nearby fountain.

The service celebrated the life and friendships of Eva.

Family, including Eva's parents Paul Slapa and Carran Williams and younger brothers Ethan and Finn, and friends entered the service to one of Eva's favourite songs, Hey Brother by Avicii.

Funeral of Eva Williams in Marford.

Funeral of Eva Williams in Marford.

The rainbow carriage and unicorns

The service then began, with Eva described as a very special young lady who spread love with her smile.

Paul gave an emotional tribute to his brave daughter who passed away on January 8, just over a year after she was diagnosed with intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

He said: "As you al know Eva was so very much more than her illness. So today I want to talk about things that were important to Eva - friends. Eva was blessed to have an incredible group of friends. Right from a young age she found it easy to mix and she always wanted to avoid the normal conflicts that children have. She would be happy to play with different groups on the playground because she always found the good in people. It was always about playing nice and having fun.

"Family was perhaps the most important thing in Eva's life. For Eva it was always about having family together, whether it was helping mummy out with her brothers, helping Ethan find his way around school in his first days, or treating Finn like he was a real-life, delicate doll that she could care for.

"Certainly over the last 12 months that became a bigger part of Eva's life. Holidays, celebrations, trips to the cottage, family get-togethers that meant the word to her.

"Eva was fearless and she always knew what she wanted, our little battler.

During Eva's battle with DIPG, no matter what, no matter how hard it was, she never stopped fighting. Her strong will shone through and I believed it helped her along the way.

"It wasn't always easy, but Eva's end game was always getting better. She stop fighting, even at the end. the day before she died Eva was focused on getting well enough to eat her Easter egg chocolate. That summed her up."

Eva's grandfathers also shared their special memories of Eva.

A video of images were then shared of Eva during special times with her family and friends.

Then those at the service, and those watching online, were asked to reflect on their own memories of Eva and to take comfort that she would not be forgotten while another of her favourite songs, I Love It

by Icona Pop.

The family arranged for a live stream of the funeral that can still be viewed here: https://evt.live/robertsbros-eva210190

Donations can be made to Eva's family's chosen charities at https://unbeatableeva.muchloved.com/