Archbishop of Liverpool pays poignant tribute at Ava White's funeral
"Ava was a lovely young person who enjoyed singing and dancing she was very energetic and was TIKTOK famous"
Last updated 23rd Dec 2021
The Archbishop of Liverpool has given a moving tribute to Ava White during her funeral service today (23rd December).
12-year-old Ava White was fatally stabbed in Liverpool City Centre last month.
Ava's death shook the city, and led to hundreds of people gathering at a vigil in Liverpool City Centre, playing her favourite songs and releasing balloons in her memory.
Today, her family and friends gathered at Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral to remember her young life which was cut short, sending shockwaves across the city.
"The grief that we are experiencing today is overwhelming"
"There is little that is sadder in life than the death of a child", said Malcolm McMahon, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool.
"In fact, the grief that we are experiencing today is overwhelming, so my deepest sympathy and that of the catholic community go to Ava’s mother, her father and sister, grandparents and all the other members of the family but also to her friends, Notre Dame Catholic College and Trinity School communities, and the people of Liverpool.
"In fact, we are all affected by Ava’s death. To support each in these tragic circumstances is why are gathered here today. St Paul tells us that we should comfort one another, and that is what we are doing.
"Ava’s young life was a gift to us, short as it was, which we should cherish and remember with love and affection. Inevitably we ask ourselves why this should happen that a young girl so full of life, so popular with her friends should die so young."
The Archbishop added: "We know that Ava was a popular young person, and she had many friends all over Liverpool. Many of you here today and you will have special memories of her – twelve years of very special moments.
"I am told that she would try anything once – even the rides on the Fair that she was not big enough for. She didn’t fear anything, and she won’t be afraid now to step into the light of God. Some of you will remember her as a daredevil, or as a real character who always brightened up the day or the moment by her presence.
"Ava was a lovely young person who enjoyed singing and dancing - She loved going on holiday and she would make up her own dances – she was very energetic and was TIKTOK famous! She was especially good at mixed martial arts and at football.
"This strong-willed girl, Ava, was loved by so many people. Heaven will be a happier place because of her exuberance. She will undoubtedly have taken it by storm."
The 14-year-old boy, who can't be named for legal reasons was charged last month (29th November) with murder and possession of a bladed article, and has been remanded in custody.
He is due for a plea hearing in February, with a trial date being scheduled for the 16th May.
Merseyside Police are continuing their investigation into the murder of Ava White, and are urging anyone else who has captured the incident or aftermath to send any images/footage directly via the following link.
You can pass information on with reference 21000820789 via ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form.
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