Father who 'married' his baby girl after she was given just days to live makes a heartfelt tribute during her funeral

The funeral has taken place of a baby who touched hearts across the nation when she 'married' her father after being given just two days to live. 

Andy Barnard, 31, paid a heartfelt tribute to Poppy-Mai Barnard, who was just 18 months old when she died after being diagnosed with a fatal bran tumour, at the same church in Blackburn where she had been christened last year.

More than 1,000 people turned out to pay their respects carrying balloons and dressed in bright colours as they watched her coffin arrive in a horse-drawn carriage.

The little girl died in her father’s arms while her mother stroked her hair at home on May 6. 

Andy said: 'We wanted to give her a day fit for a princess. Her mother and I planned every single detail knowing it would be the last thing we ever did for her.

Andy and Sammi have set up a gofundme page where donations can be made towards the retreat being built in her memory.

Below is Andy's touching peom to his daughter, titled:

THE WARRIOR PRINCESS:

Poppy-Mai Poppy-Mai what can I say I watch you in awe everyday 

Never before have I felt such love 

You'll soon be an angel up above 

I follow your lead everyday I hide my feelings, tuck them away I cry inside but show you a smile 

Your stronger than me by a mile 

Inspirational & Courageous are just two 

Of the best words to describe you 

You keep on going, I don't know how 

For that Princess I take a bow 

Many memories have been made I'd rather that you'd have stayed 

My One True Love is getting sleepy It makes me feel rather weepy 

My emotions have run wild 

My precious Princess, my beautiful child I wish I could make this go away 

My precious Princess please please stay 

You have taught me many things 

And soon you'll grow you angel wings 

Your time on earth is nearly done I'll hold you close and rub your tum 

Your beautiful eyes they tell a story 

At the end of this there is no glory 

So at peace you will be 

The pain in my face you will not see Poppy-Mai you are my hero 

I wish I could reduce this cancer to zero 

Your a special girl, my shining star I'll still talk to you babe from a far 

Poppy-Mai what can I say I watch you in awe everyday 

This is a poem from a proud and broken daddy

Source: dailymail online

I actually cried reading this.  May her angelic soul rest in peace. farewell little girl!