Hundreds mourn sledge-crash girl

Published on Thursday 19 February 2009 21:03

THE funeral of an "outstanding" and gifted teenager killed in a sledging accident took place yesterday.

Francesca Anobile, 16, died after she was thrown from a sledge in Rother Valley Country Park in South Yorkshire on 3 February.

Her funeral service, held at St Mark's Church in Mosborough, Sheffield, was attended by more than 350 mourners, including her parents Donato and Joanne, younger brother and sister, teachers from her school and her friends.

In a statement Francesca's family said: "We are a close-knit family and Francesca's grandparents, mother, father, brother Alex and sister Gabriella along with other members cannot put into words the extent of our loss.

"Francesca was an outstanding daughter, granddaughter and sister of whom we are exceptionally proud. She was loved and revered by family and friends alike.

"She brought a ray of sunlight into what is a dark world and will be sadly missed as a doting family member and friend to everyone she touched."

It continued: "Despite her desperately short time with us her passing will be felt by many. She achieved so much in such a short space of time and had far more to give.

"She will live on through those she loved and we will love her always."