Our two little angels
Jun 8 2007 By Kevin Donald, The Journal
Two young sisters who died in a house fire were buried in pink and yellow coffins yesterday.
Mourners also dressed in pink and yellow - the favourite colours of Tatum Spence, aged 14, and Demi-Jade, 12.
A white horse-drawn carriage bore the coffins - Tatum's was pink, Demi-Jade's yellow - to St Lawrence's Church in Centenary Avenue, South Shields.
Flower displays spelling out their names were also carried to the cemetery in South Shields, South Tyneside and some of the pall bearers wore pink shirts with yellow ties.
The girls died after a blaze at their home in Lisle Road, South Shields, in April.
Their father, John Spence, 37, suffered serious burns as he tried to rescue the sisters.
He was released from hospital in time for his daughters' funeral.
Harton Technology College pupils sang a song for them, written by their mother, Anita.
The girls' parents tribute read: "It feels like someone has stuck a dagger in our hearts since you were taken from us."
The service was followed by burial at Harton Cemetery.
After spending weeks in hospital on a life-support machine, John Spence was allowed home to help his wife Anita arrange the funeral. He said their life had been "pure hell" since the girls died two months ago, but his family has gained strength and support from the close-knit community.
Mr Spence, 37, tried to rescue his girls from the blaze but suffered 42% burns as he was beaten back by smoke and intense heat.
The heartbroken couple spoke yesterday of their "little angels" and thanked their friends and neighbours, who collected more than £10,000 to help the family.
Mr Spence, who is still suffering from serious injuries, said: "We are so devastated with what's happened. They are my angels and had a fantastic future in front of them.
"They were just two of the best girls you could ever meet and were kind to everyone.
"They had so many friends. Everyone loved them and they'd do anything for their friends.
"Tatum was a lot like me - she could handle herself - and Demi was gentle like Anita.
"Both of them had loads of friends, they never had a bad word to say for anyone."
Mr Spence was treated in hospital for his burns and two broken feet.
- A 17-year-old youth has been remanded in custody until June 27 on two charges of murder and two of attempted murder.
