THE funeral of a little girl whose battle against an aggressive cancer captured the hearts of thousands will take place in Blackburn next week.

Poppy-Mai Barnard, who was 17 months old when she succumbed to a progressive malignant tumour which she had fought against bravely for 10 weeks.

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Thousands of people in East Lancashire and beyond have left tributes and condolences after parents Andy and Sammi Barnard shared her heartbreaking story on Facebook.

They have asked supporters to pay a simple tribute of wearing a bright top and carrying a single flower at her funeral which will take place on Friday, May 13, at St Albans Church, Blackburn.

Sammi and Andy also want balloons at the funeral, something which their beloved daughter adored.

Yesterday, Andy, 31, said: “Poppy-Mai will be having her celebration of life on Friday, May 13.

“The service will be held at 10am at St Albans Church in Blackburn then on to Pleasington Crematorium at 12.15pm.

“It will be followed by a drink at The Blues Bar, Ewood Park.

“This is an open invitation to all of you who have been a part of our journey to attend."

“The only thing I ask I that you wear a bright top, carry a balloon of your choice with a single flower.”

Mum Sammi added: “Last night was hard as I’ve never spent a night away from Poppy-Mai.

“Seeing her this morning made me so happy though as she looked so beautiful and at peace.

“We have been busy making sure her celebration is perfect, just as she was.”

Tributes continued to pour in to the Poppy-Mai fund in the hours after her death on Tuesday afternoon.

One came from Blackburn Rovers winger Elliott Bennett, who met the family when they visited the Rovers training ground last month.

He said: “Rest in peace Poppy Mai, my thoughts are with your family at this time.“An honour to have met you. Heaven has another angel.”

Yesterday the club said it supported fans who have organised a minute’s applause in appreciation of Poppy-Mai during the 17th minute of the final game of the season against Reading at Ewood Park on Saturday lunch time.