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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Charlotte Hadfield

Boy, 6, who loved Toy Story taken on final journey by his heroes

A special funeral service was held for a little boy who loved Toy Story.

Friends, family and firefighters gathered at Bromborough Community Fire Station in Wirral on Tuesday in memory of six-year-old Zack Molyneux. Zack died at his home in Eastham on May 11 following a two year battle with brain cancer.

Zack made the most of his last two years of life, meeting his heroes at Liverpool FC and Bromborough Community Fire Station, where he became an honorary member.

The funeral procession was led by two fire engines, including one carrying a blue coffin engraved with Zack's name. The funeral car carried flowers in the shape of a fire engine and others that spelled out 'grandson.'

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The family turned out wearing green ties and scarfs in honour of Zack, while mum Sophie Topham clutched a teddy Woody from Toy Story to her chest. Parents Sophie and Adam were escorted from the fire station to Christ Church in Port Sunlight in a fire engine, with Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys hanging off the back.

The funeral began at Bromborough Community Fire Station (Liverpool Echo)

This Toy Story theme was also included in the order of service with photos of Zack dressed up as Woody for his fifth birthday. Other photos showed Zack with members of the fire service and with his favourite Liverpool FC player Roberto Firmino.

You've Got a Friend in Me was played as mourners entered the church before the service started with the hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful.'

A message on the order of service said: "The family would like to thank you most sincerely for your attendance here today and for all your kind messages of sympathy received at this difficult time."

The Toy Story themed order of service (Liverpool Echo)

Donations made in memory of Zack will be given to The Fire Fighters Charity. Paying tribute to Zack following his tragic death last month, mum Sophie described him as an "amazing" little boy who loved Toy Story, Liverpool FC, and Cheeky Monkey crisps.

She told the ECHO: "Zack was incredible, always happy, always smiling. Everyone says how he would brighten up the room with his eyes and smile. He was Toy Story-crazy, and obsessed with Liverpool Football Club.

"Zack was always amazing, happy and smiling. He changed so much. His weight would change, his hair would fall out, but he was always cheerful. He went through months of not being able to eat, and had to be fitted with feeding tubes - and when he could eat, all he ever wanted was Pom Bear crisps! And Cheeky Monkey crisps - he was obssessed with them.

Zack Molyneux dressed as Woody from Toy Story (Sophie Molyneux)

Sophie said: "He loved to sing and dance. His favourite song was Allez Allez Allez by Jamie Webster, and he even got to meet Jamie Webster in October 2021.

"He got to meet Liverpool FC at the training ground this year, and he was so happy. He was a bit poorly when he was there, but when we got back it was all he talked about.

"He was given six months in May 2021, and the doctors said they didn't think he would last that long. He proved everyone wrong all the way. He was amazing."

Sophie added: "He was a really special boy and he touched so many people's hearts, and we want his funeral to reflect that."

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