Residents pay respects as teenage 'superhero' makes final journey

Layton died in hospital last month after a five-year fight against mitochondrial disease.

He made his final journey from Alan Jones Funeral Directors on High Street in a hearse containing his coffin which had a design based on Captain America, his favourite superhero.

Mourners observed social distancing as they waited to see the vehicles pass by on their way to the crematorium for a service which was restricted to Layton’s closest relatives due to Covid-19 rules.

However, as the Hope School pupil had touched many hearts and attracted considerable support for his bravery in battling mitochondrial disease coverage from the funeral was also streamed on his Facebook page Laytons Story for people to watch at home.

Some people held up tributes to Layton as the hearse made its way through Golborne.

His mum Stacey Burtonwood described Layton as a “superhero” and told how he was always positive and hated other people seeing him upset or in pain.

As well as the heroes of the silver screen Layton loved computer games and had an extremely close bond with his family. He also loved his pet Staffordshire bull terrier Oreo.

Layton died in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital last month the same day he was moved to intensive care, with his family surrounding his bed.

He had been admitted to hospital after feeling poorly but his family were shocked when his condition deteriorated rapidly.

He was first diagnosed with mitochondrial disease aged just nine.

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