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Tributes as 7-year-old boy from Chorley dies suddenly
Hundreds of mourners packed a church for the funeral of a braveChorley boywho died suddenly at the age of seven.
Friends and family of Fortune Libanza Makungu filled St Joseph's Church, in Harper's Lane, for the service on Friday.
The youngster, who has been described as having a gorgeous smile, was a pupil at St Joseph's Primary School.
He was remembered by his classmates,whowere supported by their parents, and more than 200 people who had turned out for the sad farewell.
His school friends, from Y5 and 6, also formed a small choir to sing hymns during the service.
It is understood the youngster had been off school recently due to a serious illness.
Headteacher Kathy Black-ledge was among themourners, and a governor and Fortune's teachers read prayers.
The boy's family, who are thought to have come to Chorley from the Congo,were described as 'devastated.'
One of the mourners, who asked not to be named, said: "I believe Fortune was taken ill on February 23 and died two days later. Although he'd been off school he had returned recently so it has come as a huge shock.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
A photograph of the young-sterwas placed on his coffin and native African music was played during the service.
The seven-year-old's family and friends left poignant tributes to himon a Facebook page set up in his memory.
One read: "You were such a brave little boy,with a gorgeous smile. You might be gone but you'll never be forgotten, heaven only takes the best and they chose to take the very best.
"In our hearts always, rest in (peace] gorgeous."
Another friendwrote: "R.I.P littleman, hope you're okay up in heaven. I miss seeing you round St Joseph's. I will always remember your beautiful smile."
Pictures uploaded to the on-line group show the youngster happily playing on a scooter and posing in sunglasses whilst dressed in shorts.
A parishoner from the church said Father Peter Stanley had announced the youngster's death at a service on February 28.He also took the funeral.
He asked the congregation to turn out to the funeral to support Fortune's grieving family.
A remembrance service is now being planned by the school in honour of Fortune
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
