‘Bittersweet’ Christmas for family of tragic ecstasy teen
THE family of a 13-year-old girl who died after taking ecstasy told how discovering photos of her from a nativity play brought back “bittersweet” memories at Christmas.
Grace Handling died a day before the summer holidays were due to start on June 29.
She grew up in a family with a strong Christian faith, and grieving dad Stewart Handling told how he believes his daughter is being looked after by her grandparents in heaven.
Stewart, 49, said: “We want to share Grace’s story and try to show young people that if it can happen to Grace it can happen to anyone.
“Grace was trusting and naive and she made a mistake which, unfortunately, was the kind of mistake you only get to make once.
“That said, we are trying not to go down the road of regrets and because of our faith we believe she is with her grandparents and is in a safe place and that is comforting.”
He added: “We are determined to celebrate Christmas because we are of Christian faith and because we have our faith, we know where Grace is and we take hope and strength from that.
“We will be spending Christmas day together and will be having a quiet dinner before spending time with family in Ayr.”
A memorial service for the teen was held at her school, Irvine Royal Academy, in the Ayrshire town last week, our sister title the Irvine Times reports.
Grace’s mum Lorraine, and siblings Dani and Matthew attended the event along with Stewart.
Her dad said she was “beautiful as an angel”.
And he described the “bittersweet” moment the family received photos of Grace dressed as an angel in a nativity play when she was a little girl.
Stewart said: “Grace was an angel in the nativity in the New Life Church in Prestwick around six years ago and just recently someone sent me the pictures they had come across from back then.
“It was quite bittersweet to look at those. She was so beautiful, as an angel. She will always be our baby girl.”
The teenager was found dead in a house in Arran Place and a teenager has appeared in court following the tragedy.
Stewart said: “The school held a really moving tribute to her.
“It was very emotional and touching for us to see.
“The school has been very supportive and is planning on building a memorial garden for Grace which we think will be open in the spring.”