CITY LIGHTS UP FOR AVA
Hundreds hold vigil for killed girl, 12
FRIENDS and family of stabbingvictim schoolgirl Ava White lit up Liverpool last night at a vigil held in her memory.
Hundreds of people attended the event to remember the 12-year-old, who was knifed to death in the city centre following the Christmas lights switch-on.
Balloons – some in the shape of the letter A – were released and organisers handed out glow sticks to light up the event outside a Primark store close to where Ava was attacked.
Many people wore hoodies with Ava’s face on and others had her name written on their faces.
The Radio City tower was lit up blue in memory of the Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil. Singer Astrid
Smith, who is the same age as Ava, sang Imagine by John Lennon in tribute to the schoolgirl. And the crowd joined in for a touching rendition of Liverpool FCS anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone.
The organisers said: “We will all come together as one, standing up against knife crime and standing strong for the family of a beautiful life lost.
“We stand together as we light Liverpool up for a beautiful little soul Ava White.”
On Friday, Ava’s dad
Robert Martin paid tribute, saying his family had been left completely devastated and heartbroken.
He said: “We would like to say thank you to everybody for their ongoing support during this devastating time. “Thank you to every one of you for your kind messages and donations. As Ava’s family we are completely devastated and heartbroken by what has happened and we ask that you respect our privacy at this time and allow us to grieve as a family.”
Tributes were also paid to Ava at the Merseyside derby match between Liverpool FC and Everton on Wednesday. A minute’s applause was held and a banner held up by supporters with both club’s badges said: “No more knives in our city.”.
Liverpool player Trent Alexanderarnold wore a T-shirt reading: “RIP Ava White” under his shirt for the game.
Ava was taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital after the attack on November 25 at about 8.30pm but later died from catastrophic injuries.
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court earlier this week charged with her murder.
We stand strong for the family of beautiful
little soul