‘I hope you’re dancing with the angels’
Family and friends say goodbyes to ‘loyal and kind’ Semina
A“BEAUTIFUL and funny” 12-year-old girl was laid to rest in a poignant celebration of her short life.
Family and friends came together to say their final farewells to Semina Halliwell at St Patrick’s Church in Marshside, Southport.
Semina died on June 11 after four days in hospital. Her mum, Rachel Halliwell, believes her daughter took her own life.
A police investigation is ongoing and no cause of death has been confirmed.
Semina’s coffin was carried by a horse drawn carriage as mourners carrying white roses looked on.
Hundreds of people attended the funeral, with many watching from the church grounds where there were screens and a speaker.
There was also a portrait of Semina displayed outside the church.
A photo montage of the Stanley High pupil was shown as Leona Lewis’s version of Run played.
Mourners gathered to celebrate her short life as friends paid loving tribute to Semina who was “loyal, kind and dear”.
In a touching tribute Gary Bevin, former headteacher of St Patrick’s primary school, where Semina attended when she was younger, said everyone who knew her was privileged to have done so.
He said: “Semina may have appeared confident but she was also very sensitive, a perfect combination. She had her mother’s generosity but she definitely had her own personality.
“She probably would have wanted to have been remembered as being cool – and she was.
“She was funny and had a smile that could melt you.”
Her friend Lincoln said: “I hope you knew what your friendship meant to me.
“Our time together was special. I will never forget you Semina, hope you’re dancing with the angels. Love you forever.”
Semina’s mum Rachel previously said: “She was so beautiful, and so funny. She loved singing and dancing.
“She had been asked by model agencies to work for them but she wasn’t confident enough. She didn’t see how beautiful she was.
“She was loving and caring, and loved her brothers Rafy and Jorge so much, and she was so loved by friends and family, far and wide.
“I am heartbroken beyond words. There is a void in my heart that can never be filled.
“I cannot believe I will never see that beautiful, gorgeous girl again till I leave this earth to heaven. Her pain is over now.”
Semina Halliwell died in June, aged 12