Cry, then smile to keep memory of Shrewsbury boy Sean alive

More than 100 people packed into the hall at Emstry Crematorium yesterday to pay tribute to Sean Wallace, who died after losing his fight against leukaemia and another rare illness.

Some of Sean's classmates from Crowmoor Primary School, as well as fundraisers and supporters, were at the service which celebrated the inspirational boy's short life.

Mourners were told: "By all means be sad and cry for Sean, just make sure you remember him with a smile."

Arriving at the crematorium, the hearse was followed by a procession of bikers who had been raising money to help the youngster after he was diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year, along with another illness which caused his immune system to attack his organs.

Sean died peacefully at home in Potters Meadow on October 4.

And with some of his favourite music featured at the service such as "Eye of the Tiger", photos and videos of Sean made those in attendance – all in brightly -coloured clothes – smile and laugh.

Words written by his mother, Victoria Wilson, of Monkmoor, were read out, asking mourners to remember Sean for his smiles and his stories.

Miss Wilson said: "From the moment Sean was born he didn't cry.

"Never quiet, but never sad, he took everything in his stride. When scared he faced things head on because he knew he had support. He always thought of others. He would always worry about what the homeless man would do for food, or ask why the baby or toddler was crying just because he wanted to know if he could cheer it up.

"Even when in hospital, when he couldn't walk or move very well, he still wanted to play and do things, like play pool in a wheelchair or chase the nurses with a syringe of water.

"Even when in an extremely adult situation, being as ill as he was, he never lost being a child."

Guests were given a blank piece of card when they arrived, and were invited to write a memory of Sean and place it on a tree display made by friends and family.

And Sean's best friends from school were given a gold heart memento from a bag the 10-year-old was given earlier in the year.

The youngster was known for his love of dogs and always asked his mum to sponsor them, so guests were invited to make a donation to his favourite charity The Dogs Trust.

In the tribute to her son, Miss Wilson said: "When I think of all these things and the kind, caring, loving person he was at the age of 10, it makes me so, so proud of what an amazing little boy he was.

"He really is the bravest person I have ever known and it fills my heart knowing how many people's hearts he has touched.

"By all means be sad and cry for Sean, just make sure you remember him with a smile, remember all the stories he told you, the things he did and said.

"And smile. Because it's the memories that will keep him alive in all of us."