Motorbikes, fairy wings and jumping castles: Family celebrates three-year-old Luna Matenga

Over 200 motorbikes adorned with pink ribbons turned out to usher three-year-old Luna Matenga down the M1 to her final party this afternoon.

A CARNIVAL of love, laughter and colour was the parting gift given to Gold Coast three year old Luna Matenga as a tribute to her short life.

Luna passed just three days before Christmas while in hospital surrounded by her family after she was critically injured by a car in Ormeau days earlier.

As her final goodbye, parents Jessica Feeny and Timi Matenga transformed the Mudgeeraba showgrounds into a stunning celebration for their daughter’s public memorial with the help of local volunteers and businesses.

Stilt walkers, balloon artists, fire twirlers, angels with giant wings, magicians and bubble makers all arrived to help entertain the hundreds of families who came to remember and celebrate the life of ‘little Luna’.

Luna Matenga died after being critically injured by a car.

Before the funeral even started the outpouring of love for the local family was clear, as a procession of over 200 motorbikes adorned with pink ribbons followed the hearse down the M1 to Luna’s farewell.

At one point all four lanes were blocked by the bikes as the lone hearse could make its way south.

“On one of the overpasses there was a sign that read, Fly High Luna,” Mark Hobson of A Gentle Touch Funerals told the Bulletin.

“There has been a huge turn out for the family. The bike ride was a COVID-safe way for so many people to join in together in memory of Luna.

“It was an absolutely incredible sight.”

Dozens of business owners have also turned up to donate their time and help build the festival atmosphere for the mourning family.

The hearse arrives escorted by motorbikes. Picture Glenn Hampson

Clad in fairy wings, rainbows and sparkles, perfect strangers and close friends of Luna’s family all stood in silence as the together as the tiny white coffin was carried inside.

Luna’s mother wore angel wings and a long blue fairy gown in memory of her daughter, while her father Timi Matenga wore a bright tie dye shirt.

In a powerful eulogy, Ms Feeney told mourners her daughter was a brave and confident little warrior who fought to the very last breath.

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“I told her ‘you are brave, you are strong you will get through this’,” Ms Feeney said.

“She didn’t get through it but she was a warrior and she fought to the very, very last breath.

“Her heart didn’t stop.

“She is a f---ing powerhouse.

“I feel so proud that Luna was my child.”

Asha Peck who runs the Gold Coast Girls in Business Page which has helped rally business owners for similar causes said dozens of locals put their hand up to help at the event in Luna’s memory today.

Luna's parents Jessica Feeney and Timi Matenga follow the coffin in.. Picture Glenn Hampson

Luna's father Timi Matenga overcome with grief.. Picture Glenn Hampson

“There was a huge amount of support for the family while Luna was in hospital; perfect strangers putting their hand up to help out,” Ms Peck said.

“It has since snowballed, so many businesses donating prizes or services to support the family in any way they can.”

The family wanted to celebrate Luna’s life. Picture Glenn Hampson

“For something so tragic to happen to such a young girl, especially at this time of the year. Your heart just breaks.”