Tony Hadley opens memorial garden

Torrential rain dried up and the official opening at Lichfield and District Crematorium in Fradley was bathed in sunshine.

The former Spandau Ballet frontman cut the ribbon to open the garden, created in memory of Violet Mornington, who was just five when she died of an extremely rare blood disorder in July 2013. A Rock Choir entertained the crowd with a rendition of Spandau Ballet hit True and Violet’s school friends also sang a song in tribute to Violet.

Tony said: "It was a real honour and privilege to have been asked to open Violet's Garden. After all the rain we've had the sun was shining as if Violet was looking down on us."

Violet died just seven weeks after she fell ill on her birthday with suspected tonsillitis. Specialists eventually diagnosed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Tony heard about Violet when her parents Ivan and Kerry began raising funds for the garden in her honour. Her singer-songwriter dad Ivan, from Fradley, sang Through the Barricades in the 2000 final of TV show Stars in their Eyes as Tony Hadley. The star sent him a good luck message.

After her death, Violet’s parents founded the charity Violets In Bloom. Kerry said: "It was an overwhelming success and perfect in every way. The icing on the cake was Tony Hadley officially opening the garden for us. He was a true gentleman and we can't thank him enough."

Tony turned up to the official opening with his wife Alison Evers and their two children and mingled with the crowds as they marked the occasion.