Disney-Themed Funeral for Cartoon Fan Who Died from Cancer Aged 22
Hundreds of funeral mourners dressed up as Disney characters to celebrate the life of a film fan.
Cartoon lover Claire Whitehead died from cancer at 22 without realizing her life-long ambition of visiting Disneyland.
So friends and family decided to bring Disneyland to her – and pay a fitting fancy dress tribute.
A colorful array of costumes from classics – including Beauty and the Beast and Snow White – paraded through the streets as Claire’s coffin was carried from Newhey to Rochdale crematorium.
Mum Tracey dressed as the Corpse Bride from the Tim Burton classic while Claire’s twin sister Kate, 22, wore a pirate outfit.
Claire’s cousin Becky Taylor said the family called Claire ‘Our Cinderella’.
Becky, who dressed as an Oompa Loompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, said. “The day started with tears but it ended with laughter. Every Disney character you could imagine was there for Claire and it is what she would have wanted. The service was packed.”
Claire, who was born and brought up in Newhey, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in May last year.
The former Hollingworth High School pupil died this month at a Blackpool hospice.
The service was followed by a Wonderland-themed wake at a bar in Rochdale town centre.
