Hundreds turned out to say goodbye to Isla Caton, who died of cancer.

According to mother Nicola, around 800 people came to South Essex Crematorium in Upminster on January 28 to pay their respects to the seven-year-old from Hornchurch.

Newham Recorder: Isla Caton's coffin is carried from the hearse.Isla Caton's coffin is carried from the hearse. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Newham Recorder: Family members stand over Isla's coffin before it is taken into South Essex Crematorium.Family members stand over Isla's coffin before it is taken into South Essex Crematorium. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Newham Recorder: Isla Caton died aged seven on January 25, 2022.Isla Caton died aged seven on January 25, 2022. (Image: Nicola Caton)

Isla’s years’ long battle with neuroblastoma has been followed by many on social media, particularly among West Ham United’s fanbase.

She died last Tuesday, January 25.

Newham Recorder: Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral.Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Newham Recorder: Attendees pay their respects outside the crematorium.Attendees pay their respects outside the crematorium. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Newham Recorder: During her medical journey, Isla gained a following among supporters of West Ham United.During her medical journey, Isla gained a following among supporters of West Ham United. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Newham Recorder: Isla's mum Nicola invited members of the public to join them at the funeral park to say goodbye to her daughter.Isla's mum Nicola invited members of the public to join them at the funeral park to say goodbye to her daughter. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Her family had invited anyone to attend the funeral park and more than 2,000 followed the private funeral service via video link.

Nicola said the attendance “shows how much Isla was loved”.

“As much as it is a horrific time for us, it has probably been the only thing that has been a bit of light,” she added.

Newham Recorder: The funeral of Isla Caton at South Essex CrematoriumThe funeral of Isla Caton at South Essex Crematorium (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Newham Recorder: A dove is released at the funeral of Isla Caton.A dove is released at the funeral of Isla Caton. (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

The family have already had Isla’s ashes returned to them and want to have some made into a diamond.

Nicola said she intends to hold a “big celebration of life” in honour of Isla this summer and promised to continue to fight for children with cancer.