Northern Ireland

Kai Corkum (3) will be remembered for his 'infectious smile', his funeral hears

Little Kai Corkum died after being struck by a car in Newtownards
Little Kai Corkum died after being struck by a car in Newtownards Little Kai Corkum died after being struck by a car in Newtownards

MOURNERS at the funeral of three-year-old Kai Corkum, who died after being struck by a car, have heard he would be remembered for his "infectious smile".

There were emotional scenes as the little boy's devastated family said their final goodbyes at a service in Newtownards, Co Down, yesterday.

Crowds of people packed into the service at S Clarke and Son funeral directors.

Mourners heard how Kai had "a cheeky personality, amazing energy and a great love of life".

The young boy was hit by a car on Movilla Road last Thursday while walking to a shop with a relative to get a lollipop.

His life support was turned off the following day after doctors confirmed there was no brain activity.

Rev Sue Bell told mourners that Kai had been "suddenly and tragically taken away from his family, his friends and his community".

She said Kai, who was a pupil at the Chuckles pre-school department of Castle Gardens Primary School, was a "young, vibrant boy" who had touched the lives of many people.

"The reason for this is not just that Kai was a part of a family and a community, but because of the person he was. Kai was well known," she said.

"He belonged to a nursery that he attended with his cousin, Pippa, he went to the community youth club and to the church youth club.

"Kai, with his infectious smile, cheeky personality, amazing energy and great love of life.

"The boy who loved his welly boots, cereal and lollipops. He was confident and fearless.

"He loved monkeys and Chase from Paw Patrol. So much life, energy and potential now gone. Life won't be the same without him."

Rev Bell said Kai's parents Yasmine and Michael, who have another two sons, had been touched by the "amazing reaction of the community in which the family live".

It is the second tragedy to affect the family after Kai's parents lost their daughter, 19-week-old baby Lily-Mai in January 2017.

Kai was laid to rest at Whitechurch Cemetery in Ballywalter beside his sister following the funeral service.