TOUCHING TRIBUTE
Dozens line streets in tribute to Scots girl, 6, laid to rest with horse-drawn procession after murder-suicide
The community was left devastated by the senseless tragedy last month
Dozens of mourners have lined the streets of a Scots town for the "final journey" of a "vibrant and loving" little girl who was killed in a tragic murder-suicide.
Hope Gordon, 6, was found dead at a home in Harburn Drive, in West Calder, last month on Monday, January 20.
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The young schoolgirl was found alongside her 36-year-old father Mark Gordon at the home in West Lothian.
Cops previously revealed that they were treating her death as murder after being killed by her dad who later took his own life.
The community was left devastated by the senseless tragedy.
And now a private family service has taken place at Co-op Funeralcare on Howden South, in Livingston, on what Hope's family are calling "Hope's Day".
Little Hope’s Paw Patrol themed coffin was carried in a glass carriage as it made its way from the funeral home to the town’s Adambrae Cemetery.
A lone piper led the cortege as it made its way on the mile-and-a-half journey.
Two horses that were pulling the youngster's carriage were dressed in blue and yellow plumes.
A mascot dressed as Chase from Hope’s favourite TV programme Paw Patrol walked behind the carriage.
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More than thirty cars filled with mourners in bright clothes followed on.
Around one hundred people lined the street near the cemetery to pay their respects.
Many were seen wiping away tears as the cortege slowly passed them.
One woman threw flowers onto the carriage as it arrived at the cemetery.
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A hearse filled with flowers also followed on.
One card attached to flowers from Hope’s school read: “Hope, you will be forever in our thoughts and hearts.
“You brought joy, happiness and love to everyone who met you and we will miss you dearly.
“Lots of love from everyone at Toronto Primary School.”
Another said: “For beautiful precious sweet little Hope everyone loves you.”
Close family friend Melanie Wheeldon launched a fundraiser to help support Hope's family after the murder.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover funeral costs and quickly raised more than £10,000 - more than five times its original £2,000 target.
A heartfelt message on the fundraiser said: "On January 20, 2025, our hearts shattered as we learned of the tragic and senseless murder of 6-year-old Hope.
"Hope was a vibrant and loving little girl, known for her infectious smile, kind spirit, and deep love for animals.
"Hope's life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled.
"This GoFundMe page has been created to help Hope's family with the unexpected funeral expenses during this incredibly difficult time.
Hope was a vibrant and loving little girl, known for her infectious smile, kind spirit, and deep love for animals
Melanie Wheeldon
"Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser link with your friends and family to help spread the word.
"Let's come together to honour Hope's memory and offer support to her grieving family.
"May Hope's gentle soul rest in eternal peace."
Other friends, family and loved ones have also paid tribute to the tragic youngster after the devastating incident.
Her headteacher at Toronto Primary School, Fiona Linfoot, told how little Hope was known for her "infectious smile and kind heart".
She said: "Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family and will be hugely missed by all her friends and staff.
"She was a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met.
"We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart."
Detectives investigating the death revealed that officers had previous "contact" with the family.
The alarm was raised on Monday morning by staff after Hope never showed up for school.
Hope's life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled
Melanie Wheeldon
A relative visited Mark's home to check on them and after there was no answer at the door they called emergency services.
Police and firefighters were called to make entry to the home where they found the bodies of Hope and Mark.
The force quickly launched a major investigation into the death and locked down the area around the home.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks previously said: "The shock and sadness felt across West Lothian is understandable.
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"Words won't take that anxiety and concern away.
"But I want to reassure people this is an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to members of the public at this time."
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