Final farewell to Accrington mum and toddler (From This Is Lancashire)

Final farewell to Accrington mum and toddler

8:20am Saturday 20th February 2010

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A MUM and her toddler son were united on their final journey in a single coffin on one of Accrington's saddest days.

Jackie Bloomer, 29, and her 18-month-old son Jayden died after a car mounted the pavement in Eastgate and crashed into them.

Yesterday the town was brought to a standstill for Jackie and Jayden's funeral as hundreds of mourners paid their respects.

On a day of deep emotion, Jackie's husband Chris led the coffin into St. James' Church, in Cannon Street, carrying two roses - one red and the other white - for his wife and son.

In a written tribute with a floral display that spelt out his son's name, Mr Bloomer, 29, wrote of his pain at having his family torn in two.

He wrote: "To Daddy's little star, baby Jayden. It just isn't fair the short time we had to spend together and have you taken so soon from me and your brother.

"Mummy will look after you now and I understand you needed her with you. Love Daddy and Declan xxx."

To Jackie, Chris wrote: "To my darling wife Jackie. I will miss you so much now you are not by my side.

"Please take care of our baby boy who needed you to be with him.

"Only me and you will know just how much love we had for each other.

"We will never forget you. Love you loads and always will. Chris and Declan xxx"

The couple's other son, Declan, six, who mum was on the way to collect last week when the crash happened, was not at yesterday's funeral.

Earlier, friends and family had begun to gather at Kirby and Hughes funeral home, Blackburn Road, from around 9.45am.

Two Jaguar limousines arrived at 10.10am carrying Jackie and Jayden's close family.

At around 10.35am the coffin was taken to the hearse and a photo of Jayden wearing a Christmas hat was placed facing out of the rear of the vehicle.

As the cortege of 30 vehicles passed through Blackburn Road towards the church, scores of people left their homes and work places to pay their own tributes.

At the snow-covered grounds of the town centre church, more than 100 people had gathered outside. There were 400 mourners inside.

Many broke down in tears as the hearse arrived.

There was silence as pall-bearers carried the coffin, led by Mr Bloomer carrying the roses.

They entered the church to the sound of Eva Cassidy's moving version of Over The Rainbow.

Four policemen and three paramedics, lined up in order of height, provided a guard of honour at the doorway.

Red and white roses had been laid on top of the coffin, along with 'Jayden' and 'Jackie' spelt out in white flowers with peach and red roses respectively.

A giraffe, made of yellow flowers and leaves, was also taken into the church, as was a little angel display made of white blooms.

Other written tributes were nestled in with the flowers.

Jackie's parents wrote: "To our darling precious daughter Jackie Louise tragically taken from us.

"We will miss you so much. That lovely beaming smile of yours would brighten up any day.

"Rest in peace our darling and look after Jayden. Love you forever and ever. Love always from Mum and Dad xxx."

Another tribute read: "Rest in peace our darling beautiful grandson Jayden Christopher.

"We will miss you so much and coming in the house shouting Nana and Grandad.

"You and Mummy are together for ever so please look after each other till Nana and Grandad are there to look after both our babies.

"Good night, God bless till we are all together again. Lots and all our love, from Nana and Grandad."

The funeral lasted for around 30 minutes. Three hymns were sung: Lord of All Hopefulness, Lord of All Joy; Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer and Jesus, Good Above All Other.

At the end of the service Please Remember by American singer LeAnn Rimes was played.

Mr Bloomer was embraced by Fr Lawrence Featham, the minister who led the service, before making his way to the waiting car and wiping tears from his eyes. He was still carrying the two roses.

Members of the public once again lined Cannon Street, many taking off their winter hats and bowing their heads as they waited for the funeral procession to pass.

The cortege slowly drove along Eastgate, passing the scene of the accident, where about 20 people gathered in silence.

It then took mum and son on their final journey to Accrington Crematorium.

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