Tears for girl killed on bus
THE family of 16-year-old Christina Edkins, the schoolgirl stabbed to death on a bus, told yesterday how they had been “overwhelmed” by support from well-wishers.
Christina was killed by a stab wound as she was making her way to classes earlier this month.
Speaking before the funeral service at Birmingham Cathedral, her cousin Stephen Newby said: “We are devastated that she should have been taken away so senselessly.
“We have been overwhelmed and comforted by the spontaneous reactions of so many people.
“While many of them never knew Christina, all have been touched in some way by this tragic event and share in our grief.”
The teenager’s silver coffin was taken to the cathedral in a white carriage, pulled by a pair of white horses.
Flowers from her parents, Jason and Kathleen, read: “To our beautiful Princess, Christina...live in our hearts forever.”
The couple led 600 family and friends into the packed 300-year-old Cathedral and another 300 mourners stood outside.
Among them were 120 pupils from Leasowes High School which Christina attended in Halesowen.
Her school principal Neil Shaw called her “an inspiration”, adding: “If schools could choose their students, they would be full of pupils like Christina.” Keith Rammell, Christina’s godfather, said her death left “an empty space” in the hearts of those who loved her.
To his goddaughter, “our Christina”, he said: “Sleep tight.”
Phillip Simelane, 22, of Walsall, has been charged with murdering Christina and remains in custody. He will appear at Birmingham Crown Court next on May 31.