No-one wore black at Shane Brooker's funeral yesterday. "It would not have reflected his life and the happiness he gave and had," said his mother, Karen.

The nine-year-old, who was severely disabled through cerebral palsy, lost his battle for life last week. He died in his sleep at home in Radnor Road, Wallingford, with his loving family around him - Karen, 34, warehouseman father Antony, 36, and sisters Laura, 13, and Toni, ten.

"Despite everything, he was a cheeky, mischievous lad," said Mrs Brooker.

"He could not walk, talk, sit up or stand, but he communicated wonderfully through facial expressions. "He was very much a lad for the ladies - he had everyone wrapped round his little finger.He was adored by his sisters who helped nurse him here at home. "We did not want black at the funeral - no black ties, no black clothes.

"It was a celebration of his life and that colour would not have reflected him or his life, the happiness he gave and the happiness he had."

Shane, who was disabled from birth, was born in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. His family had nursed him at home for a year.

"It was a hard decision but the best one we made" said Mrs Brooker.

"With the help of community nurses we all got through a very tough year, but he was the better for it."

Karen and Antony were immensely grateful to Oxford Mail and Wallingford Herald readers, who raised money for Shane to go to Florida.

The funeral was at St Mary's, Wallingford. Donations will go to the The Community Paediatric Nurses and to Hernes House Respite home for children in Oxford.

Story date: Wednesday 24 February

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