A GRIEF-STRICKEN youngster paid tribute to the “bestest big bro” as loved ones said a final farewell to a schoolboy killed by a deadly strand of meningitis.
Marshall Watkinson, 11, died in hospital just 24 hours after he was struck down with a vomiting bug at his home in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland.
Yesterday, during an emotional funeral at the village’s St Bartholomew’s Church, a heart-wrenching note was attached to flowers from Marshall’s five-year-old brother, Ashley.
In a hand-written letter, he said: “To my bestest big bro, Marshall. I will always remember all the love you gave me and all the fantastic times we had together as brothers.
“I’ll never forget you and I will always love you. I know all I need to do is look at the shining stars to know you are there. Sleep well best brother, I will always love you. Ashley.”
Ashley’s words were the defining moment of a funeral for a “cheeky” son who died after contracting the killer strand of meningitis.
Marshall’s white coffin was driven from the family home on Westmorland Avenue and arrived in the back of a black hearse with wreaths that spelled out the word ‘Son’.
It was hoisted on the shoulders of friends and family before being placed at the head of the church. A silver-framed photo propped on his coffin showed Marshall smiling as he celebrated Christmas morning with his family.
In a touching note, Marshall’s grandmother wrote: “My precious bonny lad. A light has gone out and the world will be a sadder place now without you. Sleep tight.”
