Big turnout as hundreds paid tribute to Ava White at the downtown vigil

[ad_1]

Hundreds took part in an emotional vigil for Ava White in Liverpool city center tonight.

Parents and grandparents joined the school children, as mourners were touched by the tragic death of the 12-year-old and gathered near the place where she was stabbed.

Anti-knife crime activists were among those who gave speeches to the crowd, who united to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Read more: Arrests, elections and the 12 months that changed Liverpool forever

Ava’s family and friends also attended, as the city paid tribute to the famous Notre Dame Catholic College student.

The vigil began with the release of dozens of balloons, many bearing her name and personal tribute, on Church Street.

Touching scenes unfolded a few meters from where she sustained what Merseyside police described as “catastrophic injuries” on Thursday night, November 29.

Investigators believe the incident followed a “verbal argument” that occurred while Ava and her friends were visiting downtown to see the Christmas lights turned on.

Ava White was 12 years old when she died after a knife attack in Liverpool city center this week (Photo: Trinity RC Primary)

Since then, Ava has been charged with the murder of a 14-year-old boy.

Tonight, Christmas lights served as the backdrop for the emotional tribute to the schoolgirl.

Huge numbers braved winter conditions to show their support.

Among them were parents who brought their children to pay respects and witnessed the powerful scenes.

A large crowd at a vigil for 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death on Church Street in downtown Liverpool (Photo: Liverpool Echo)

Gemma Murphy, of Everton, looks on with her daughter Miley McCarthy.

“It is an important message and it is important to show respect. It was a good turnout and as a parent, I found it very moving,” Gemma told ECHO.

Eight-year-old Miley said she wanted to attend the vigil “to show my respect.”

Danielle Newport, of Vauxhall, was with her nine-year-old son Bobby O’Donnell – whom Ava taught to play street games.

Describing Ava as a “beautiful” girl, noting the turnout, she said, “It is comforting to know that so many people think of Ava.”

A scene in Liverpool city center where 12-year-old Ava White is being honored (Photo: Liverpool Echo)

“We knew Ava, we were totally shocked when we found out, we were devastated. It’s important to show that we as a community and as a city hold on to each other,” Danielle said.

Several words were given in front of the Christmas tree that lights up Liverpool’s main shopping street.

Mandy Jamison, whose 16-year-old son Danny J Jamison was shot to death in south Liverpool in 2018, said: “Anyone with a knife is a coward, it doesn’t make you tough and definitely won’t go as an accessory with your north face.

“Liverpool parents, I know you don’t really want to hear this, but unless parents start confronting their kids, it’s only going to get worse.

“There is no shame in asking for help, and there is no shame in admitting that you can’t handle your child and need help.

A large crowd at a vigil for 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death on Church Street in downtown Liverpool (Photo: Liverpool Echo)

“I stand before you now and affirm that my son is not an angel, nor did I say that he was, but he fought with his fists that night, and he had no need to carry a knife, and surely he did not use one.

“I don’t try to take knives off the street as I think if it wasn’t a knife it would be a gun.

“What I am trying to do is to get people to see the damage to families.

“People in the newspaper see that a child has been killed, and they don’t see what happens next – the damage and the pain.

“And I sincerely hope none of you go through what we went through.”

Ava White, 12, who died after an accident in Liverpool city center (Image: PA)

Before the vigil, Sean Bennett, of the campaign group No More Knives and who helped organize the event, said: “I think it’s time for the city to stand up.

“The laws have to change and everyone has to step up their game.

“It’s not just our city, it’s nationwide.

But it’s not a problem – it’s a pandemic.

A large crowd at a vigil for 12-year-old Ava White, who was stabbed to death on Church Street in downtown Liverpool (Photo: Liverpool Echo)

The vigil was organized by Anthony Judy, of Huyton, who runs events company A&E Entertainment, and was held with the blessing of the Ava family.

Speaking to ECHO, Anthony said: “We didn’t just want to help out with money, but it was about giving the girl the farewell she deserves and showing the family that they are not alone.”

Any donations raised will be made to the family to help them after Ava’s death.

Flower Tribute to Ava White

On Friday, Ava’s father Robert Martin spoke for the first time since her death.

He said the family was “totally broken” and “heartbroken”.

He said: “We would like to thank everyone for their continued support during this devastating time.

Thank you to each of you for your kind messages and donations.

“As Ava’s family, we are deeply saddened and deeply saddened by what happened and we ask that you respect our privacy at this time and allow us to grieve as a family.”

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sports and what’s on updates from Liverpool ECHO by registering here

Read more related articles Read more related articles.

[ad_2]