It was a day of heartbreak, tears, and unwavering support as the city turned blue in memory of a little boy who lost his battle to a rare form of cancer.

The people of Carlisle lined the streets as the family of three-year-old Stanley Dalton laid him to rest, on what can only be described as one of the most heartbreaking of days.

Family, friends, neighbours and supporters turned out to pay tribute to the toddler whose life was cut short when he lost his battle to T-CELL Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia on January 31.

Having previously fought the disease, Stanley’s parents, Georgia and Lee, were told in March 2019 that his cancer had returned.

This sparked a desperate mission to raise £500,000 to get him to Singapore to give him the best possible chance of survival.

In a matter of months the money was raised and Stanley, of Nelson Street, Carlisle, along with mum, Georgia Brecken, set off for Singapore for the treatment.

While oversea, Stanley had a tough couple of months, battling fevers, sores in his mouth, and at one point potentially heading down the road of sepsis.

But the brave little fighter kept on going, and every day he had a smile on his face.

In early December, Georgia broke the news to followers on the Save our Stan Facebook page that he was home and would continue his treatment in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.

Speaking shortly before yesterday's funeral, Georgia told The Cumberland News: “We wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us on our journey and helped us get to Singapore.

“The efforts weren’t in vain. When Stanley died he was cancer free and 100 per cent donor, so the transplant had worked but unfortunately, the toxicity of the treatment was too much.

“He leaves a huge hole in our lives and we love and miss him so much.

“It will be lovely to see people turn out for Stanley.

“We had hoped for a homecoming celebration, but sadly it’s a celebration of his life.”

In a glass horse-drawn carriage, fighter Stanley was taken on his final journey from the family home at 11.45am, travelling through the streets of Carlisle.

On his final journey, those who lined the streets all wore blue and clapped as he passed.

The civic centre was lit with a blue heart and the sign “We love you, Stan”.

A private service was held at Carlisle Cemetery with a private committal then taking place at the crematorium.

As Stanley made his journey to the Carlisle Crematorium his sister, Delilah, walked in front of the carriage along with funeral director, Jill Glencross, while his parents followed in the car behind.

On the streets, a sea of blue ribbons, balloons and rosettes could be seen, with every car decorated to remember the young fighter.

The brave boy’s plight touched the hearts of people across the county and beyond, as many people rallied to raise more than £500,000 to send Stanley to Singapore for treatment.

The money to get Stanley to Singapore was raised just four weeks after the family launched the fundraiser.

At the time, Georgia said: “I was anxious about putting our story out there as I had not told many people about Stanley’s diagnosis and I was warned trolls may make nasty comments, as sadly it does happen on pages like this.

“But I needn’t have worried about anything because from the moment this went out we have had nothing but support and kindness shown to us.”

When the news of Stanley’s death broke tributes came flooding in.

Leading tributes to Stanley were Carlisle United Football Club. Stanley made his first visit to Brunton Park, Carlisle, in July, where he met members of the first team squad, and immediately became a favourite with the members as he overcame his initial shyness to join in with a mini-kickabout.

Director of football David Holdsworth said: “We’re all just devastated, there simply are no words. Georgia and Lee are such lovely parents and we could all see how much his sister Delilah doted on him.

“Stan was so brave, and his smile melted everybody who met him and saw it. Our deepest and sincerest condolences go to his family and loved ones at what is such a sad time.”

Songs for Stanley was a concert set up that aimed to push the fundraiser closer to the £500,000 target. It saw celebrities perform alongside virtual acts.

The people behind Songs for Stanley posted their own tribute. They said: “All the team, from Songs for Stan, wanted to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Stan.

“It was an honour and privilege to work with the family and we are all absolutely devastated to hear the very sad news. Our thoughts and wishes are with the family at this time.”

Anthony Nevison set up the group, Stride to Singapore, which saw children participating in walking, running and biking challenges the equivalent of the miles from Carlisle to Singapore.

Stride to Singapore posted a message on its Facebook page, saying: “So heartbreaking. Rest in peace little man. The bravest boy we ever met. You touched the hearts of so many and will never be forgotten. Thinking of all your family at the sad time.”

For anyone wanting to leave a tribute to Stan, visit https://stanleydalton.muchloved.com/