Heartbroken mourners wear bright yellow at funeral of teen Manchester bombing victim Courtney Boyle who dies at concert alongside her stepdad
THE funeral of 19-year-old Manchester bombing victim Courtney Boyle took place today in Gateshead.
Courtney and and her stepdad Philip Tron, 32, went missing after the suicide bombing on May 22, sparking a desperate Facebook appeal by Courtney's mum Deborah Hutchinson.
The devastating news of their deaths was confirmed by Newcastle's Metro Radio days later on May 26.
Mourners dressed in yellow, at the request of the family, attended the ceremony at Saltwell Crematorium in Gateshead today.
Some were seen carrying yellow flowers in tribute to the teenager, matching those which surrounded her white coffin alongside red roses.
After their tragic deaths were confirmed, Courtney's mum Deborah said: "My stunning amazing beautiful daughter you were my rock. You made me so proud with all you had achieved.
"And my gorgeous crazy Philip you made my world a happy place and now you are both my angels flying high in the sky."
Courtney's dad added: "I am going to miss my baby girl for the rest of my life.
"I will never forget you and I will love you forever.
"Grandad Bob misses you loads also."
Her sister paid tribute to "Courtney, my wonder of a sister who is now a shining yellow star in the sky" and "Phil, my stepdad, my Costa buddy, you were always there no matter what, to keep me safe and make me happy".
Courtney was a former pupil of Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street in County Durham.
Her former headteacher, Mark Lovatt, said: "Courtney was a much-loved student and friend of Lord Lawson of Beamish Academy.
"She was an ex-student of Talbot House and really was the epitome of a perfect student.
"Courtney kept in touch with teachers and staff, showing the kind, caring and loving person that she was.
"She really grasped life with both hands and she will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew her."
Friends also held a vigil and balloon release for Miss Boyle and Mr Tron nearby at the Angel of the North.
Deborah was one of the many terrified relatives who took to social media on the night of the attack as they desperately sought news of their missing loved ones.
Deborah wrote on Monday: “My daughter Courtney Boyle and partner Philip Tron have gone missing tonight in an attack at Manchester tonight please share and help find them I need them home safe.”
The devastated mum later added: “Courtney Boyle and Philip Tron have not been found I am in Manchester waiting for news!!!!!!”
A teen couple who “wanted to be together forever” were also confirmed to have died after suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, blew himself up in the foyer of Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert.
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Georgina Callander, 18, Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, and John Atkinson, 26, were named as the first victims to die in the horror blast.
Kelly Brewster, 32, Olivia Campbell, 15, Alison Howe, 45, Lisa Lee, 47, Martyn Hett, 29, Nell Jones, 14, Angelika and Marcin Klis, 40 and 42, and Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 51, were also later confirmed to have died.