Tribute of love for ‘our angel’ Tommy

9:55am Wednesday 9th May 2007

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LITTLE Tommy D'Attorre was laid to rest as he had lived - surrounded by love.

More than 150 people crowded into St Osmund's RC Church in Breightmet, for the "Mass of the Angels" to celebrate the short life of a baby born with a terminal illness who died in his parents' arms.

Bubbles and teddy bears in ceremony to remember a short life

Although he lived only 15 weeks, as Father Anthony Hilton told the congregation, he had "changed many people's lives".

His father, Ralph carried the tiny coffin into the church. It was pale blue, to mark the family's Italian heritage, and decorated with Tommy's name and images of balloons.

And, as the emotional service got under way, Tommy's favourite stuffed toy - a huge yellow bumblebee - joined teddies placed on the altar.

His family, including his mother Siobhain, brother Callum, aged 12, and six year-old Mairead, were joined by relatives, friends and well-wishers in the hymns and prayers.

And 12 youngsters from St Osmund's Primary School, where Mairead is a pupil, sang "As I Kneel Before You", their voices rising through the church building and prompting fresh tears from many in the congregation.

Readings, tributes and a poem "Our Tommy" came from close relatives.

Tommy's aunty Anne told the congregation: "Most people never get to see an angel in their lives. We held one in our arms."

Many had been touched by the plight of Tommy, born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy - a chronic form of muscle weakness offering no cure, and no hope.

Thanks were given to those who had supported the family in their difficult days.

They included medical staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury and Derian House hospice, as well as the wider community.

The family were grateful to them, and were simply grateful for the life of little Tommy.

At the burial in Tonge Cemetery, Ralph laid his son's coffin in the small grave, giving the casket a final kiss goodbye.

A machine blew bubbles over the many mourners, and 15 blue balloons - one for each week of Tommy's life - were released into the blustery wind, carrying high into the sky the memories of a very special little boy.