A town mourns six year old Hope Gordon. She was tragically murdered. The community lines the streets for her final journey.
Hope and her father, Mark, died on January 20th at their home in West Calder. Police think Hope’s death was murder, while Mark’s death seems non-suspicious.
The family called Monday “Hope’s Day.” A private service was held at Coop Funeralcare in Livingston, after which everyone went to Adambrae Cemetery.
Despite the cold weather, many people came and stood by the road to watch. Some threw flowers on the hearse as it passed.
Hope’s coffin had Paw Patrol characters, as Paw Patrol was her favorite. A car with Paw Patrol flowers followed, courtesy of Toronto Primary School where Hope studied.
Two white horses pulled the hearse, adorned with white cloths and blue and yellow feathers on their heads to match Paw Patrol’s colors.
A friend dressed as Chase from Paw Patrol followed, with Hope’s family riding in cars behind him.
A piper in Highland dress led the procession, playing for “Hope’s final journey,” which the family shared on social media.
Hope’s Auntie Tess wrote a poem about her, read at the service. A friend, Melanie Wheeldon, raised money to help pay for “Hope’s Day,” raising over £10,000, far exceeding the initial goal of £2,000.
Melanie posted a statement online, naming the page “in memory of Hope.” She said their hearts broke when they learned about Hope’s death on January 20, 2025.
Melanie described Hope as a joyful girl who loved animals and had a kind heart. Her life ended too soon, leaving a big hole in everyone’s hearts.