AT funerals we wear black. It has long been tradition that the shade of the outfit matches the mood of the mourners.

But Vicki Alexander was too colourful a person to be remembered in monotone. That is why, at her request, friends and relatives said farewell wearing every shade of her favourite colour - pink. There cannot have been many fuchsia funerals, but then, there was no one like Vicki. The vibrant scene reminded everyone of her astonishing cheer, grit and selflessness in the face of all the odds. She was an inspiration to everyone who met her. And her legacy is a charitable trust which will brighten up the lives of other young people battling cancer.

Updated: 11:19 Monday, January 23, 2006