‘BEAUTIFUL FAREWELL’ FOR AMELIA
A“FUN-LOVING and bubbly” little girl who was found dead in June was laid to rest during a “beautiful” service filled with Disney songs and bedtime stories.
Close family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Amelia Brooke Harris on Monday.
The private service included an emotional dedication from Amelia’s father Matthew Edgell, who talked about all of the things his daughter loved doing with her family.
The four-year-old, whose family call her Princess Amelia, was found dead at an address on Brithweunydd Road in Trealaw, Rhondda, at about 10.20pm on June 8.
Carly Ann Harris has been charged with murder and a provisional trial date has been set for December 3.
Speaking after the funeral, Amelia’s gran Catherine Edgell, her father Matthew and her two big brothers, released the following message: “We would like to thank everyone for coming to Princess Amelia’s funeral and giving her the send off she deserves.
“We are grateful to everyone for respecting our wishes and keeping the burial private and for family only.”
Family friend Nikki Louise described the service as being “lovely” and “beautiful”.
“They spoke about Amelia’s life, what she loved doing and played songs which really meant a lot to the family,” she said. “They played a lot of Disney songs because she loved Disney, especially the Little Mermaid, Lion King and Beauty and the Beast.”
Following the service – and after asking people on social media to respect their wishes – the family held a private burial, with close friends and family. “It was nice that people respected that,” Nikki said.
“After the funeral a few of us went back to toast her life. It was beautiful.”
Along with the help of a few others in the local community – including a man named Garry Harries – Nikki is now working hard to raise money for the family.
She hopes to raise enough to cover the funeral costs and the cost of a
headstone for Amelia, while any extra money will go to the family’s chosen charity – 2 Wish Upon a Star.
“Just after it happened, a collection was held by a couple of boys, who were friends of the family, to raise money for the boys,” Nikki said.
“They held a charity football match and things like that.
“But, I wanted to do something to help pay towards the funeral. I knew how stressful it was going to be for the family.”
As part of the fundraising efforts, a charity night has been organised and will be held at Porth Rugby Club this Saturday.
As well as a DJ and a band, there will also be a charity raffle and auction, with prizes – which have been kindly donated – including a signed Anthony Joshua photograph, Cardiff Blues and Cardiff City tickets and
merchandise, St David’s Spa offers, golf at the Celtic Manor and many more.
“We would like to give special thanks to Nikki Louise and Garry Harries for all the effort they have put in with the fundraising event they are putting on for our princess,” Amelia’s family said.
“Please could we request any one wishing to donate, go direct through Nikki Louise as she has permission of us as a family.”
The charity event is being held on Saturday and is open to the public.
Tickets cost £5 and can be purchased from a number of local businesses, including House of Hansen in Porth and Shortcuts in Williamstown.
They can also be purchased – and donations can be made – through Facebook, by contacting Nikki Louise or Garry Harries.