East Ayrshire mourners wear pink in memory of E coli girl Rachel

Hundreds of mourners, dressed in bright pink, gathered yesterday for the funeral of eight-year-old Rachel Shaw, who died after contracting E coli.

Rachel’s family asked mourners attending Dalrymple Parish Church, East Ayrshire, to dress in her favourite colour. The church was packed with family, neighbours, friends and teachers mourning the popular schoolgirl, whose white coffin was bedecked with pink flowers and a framed photograph.

The carol Away in a Manger – a favourite of Rachel’s – was played just before the service began.

The Rev Lawrie Lennox said: “You may be surprised to hear Away in a Manger playing at this time of year, but it was one of Rachel’s favourites and you would hear her singing it at any time of year.”

Rachel died in hospital on Saturday night after contracting E coli at the end of July. She was initially treated in Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, and allow­ed home when her condition seemingly improved. However, shortly afterwards she was taken to Yorkhill Hospital as her condition worsened.

Mr Lennox said: “Rachel has now gone straight from her loving family on Earth to God’s family in heaven. I can see her now exploring the place and making lots of new friends.”