HUNDREDS of mourners gathered today, Monday, to pay tribute to a “precious little angel” who was a “miracle”.

Eight-year-old Alleysha-Ala Bullock died on July 25 after years fighting with several conditions brought on by a lack of oxygen during a “traumatic” birth.

As a result of the brain injury caused, Alleysha developed Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a type of brain damage, epilepsy and cerebral palsy – which affected both her arms and legs.

Alleysha was only expected to live for one year - but through her determination and the love of those around her, she survived until she was eight, her mum Charlene Christensen has previously said.

In the service, held at St Stephen’s Church, in the Pill area of Newport, reverend Justin Groves said: “It is extremely fitting that the sun is shining and that the church is full on an occasion like this.

“We are here to remember a very special girl, but also to celebrate her life.

“This family can very proud of how this precious girl spent her life.”

Mr Groves described Alleysha as a “beautiful, darling angel” who had a very hard start in life, spending a few months in hospital.

“She was a little miracle,” he continued. “She had the nickname ‘Rocky’.”

Mr Groves said that Alleysha took advantage of every opportunity.

He continued: “She was quite a character and had a huge, beaming smile and sparkling eyes.

“For some reason, she chose not to be like everyone else. She was full of life and went through battles and storms - but her mum was always with her in every step of the way.

“She lived for her mum – the bond they had was like no other bond. They were devoted to one another.”

Mr Groves said Alleysha was “adored” by her four siblings. “She was a very much loved child who is missed already, and she will be missed for many and many years,” he added.

Music chosen for the service included ‘Somewhere only we know’, by Lily Allen.

Also during the service, Alleysha’s cousin, Tanisha Chambers, sang ‘Amazing Grace’.

“She was such a beautiful little girl, I believe she is at peace now,” she said before singing.

Doves were released outside the church after the service.

As previously reported in the Argus, Alleysha was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, cutting the oxygen supply to her brain.

She took her first breath ten minutes after being born, her mum has previously said.

“She was always happy, she always had a smile in her face,” added Miss Christensen. “Wherever she was, she would lit light up the room – she was full of life.”