Jump directly to the content
'CHERISHED MOMENTS'

Alesha MacPhail’s uncle posts heartbreaking video of girl, 6, found dead in woodland as he thanks community for support at funeral

Calum MacPhail shared the shattered family's gratitude to those who helped organise the schoolgirl's funeral in Coatbridge, Scotland, alongside a montage of precious memories

THE devastated uncle of Alesha MacPhail has posted a heartbreaking video of the young girl as he thanks the local community for their support.

Calum MacPhail shared the shattered family's gratitude to those who helped organise the six-year-old's funeral in Coatbridge, Scotland, alongside a montage of precious memories.

 Grief-stricken Calum posted the emotional tribute on Facebook
6
Grief-stricken Calum posted the emotional tribute on Facebook
 Alesha's mum was helped from the church on Saturday
6
Alesha's mum was helped from the church on SaturdayCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing - The Sun Glasgow

Alesha was staying with relatives on Bute, in the Firth of Clyde, at the start of the summer break when she was found dead.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with rape and murder following the discovery of Alesha’s body in woodland on July 2.

The video shows heartbreaking pictures of the girl from when she was a baby, through to primary school age where she cuddles with animals and giggles with her beloved uncle.

 Well-wishers sent Calum and the family messages of support
6
Well-wishers sent Calum and the family messages of support

The footage is accompanied by Linkin Park's 2017 track One More Light.

Calum posted the clip on Facebook saying it showed his most cherished moments with his niece, adding "it's moment like these that will get me and my family through this".

He said: "Me and My Family would like Thank you to all for your support its been a hard time for all of us and without the love you all have shown us we don't know how we would be able to cope.

We would like to thank MacGregor Family Funeral Directors in Coatbridge for giving Alesha the send off she deserved. We would like to thank The Honky Tonk Diner Rothesay for their efforts to help our Family."

 Mourners wore pink for the ceremony
6
Mourners wore pink for the ceremonyCredit: PA:Press Association
 Calum said the video showed precious moments of Alesha
6
Calum said the video showed precious moments of Alesha

He continued: "We would like to thank Jim Maclister for wearing a top to a game with his team Greenock Morton. We would like to also Thank Danny Sweet for his efforts fundraising and singing at her Funeral

"Also Joseph Michael Kane for playing the pipes at the Rothesay vigil and Alesha funeral. And theres many more like Carol Ashley for setting up the vigil.

"Jay See For getting Stars named after Alesha not only that Making his way to the funeral from Liverpool.

"And there's plenty more people but if i was to thank you all by name i would never be able to finish.

"But also I would like to thank all my friends especially the following for keeping me strong and being there for me.

"Finally as a last thing for me to do I have made a short video of some of the best times with Alesha within my family which I will always cherish I would ask you to watch it and be happy at every moment we all shared together because it's moment like these that will get me and my family through this.

"Thanks once again all Alesha would be proud of what you all have done."

 'I will always cherish these moments'
6
'I will always cherish these moments'

Hundreds of pals flocked to Facebook to send comforting messages of condolence to the family.

Rebecca Murray said: “Seen the video going about you done a very brave thing standing up and saying your speech. You all gave Alesha a beautiful send off.”

Caroline Rae also commented: “Beautiful memories of a wee precious princess, never be forgotten by the people who love you Alesha.”

Hundreds of mourners gathered in for the service where tributes were paid to the six-year-old.

Her devastated family asked that mourners wear pink to the funeral.

A candlelit vigil was held in Rothesay on Bute earlier this month and an online fundraiser set up to support relatives reached almost £13,000.

Alesha’s mother Georgina Lochrane previously thanked those who have helped the family following the youngster’s death.

Uncle of Alesha MacPhail, the little girl found dead on the Isle of Bute in July, sobs while giving a eulogy at her funeral


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.