‘Devastated’ mother of 12-year-old girl who says she died after she was ‘bullied and raped’ pays tribute to her daughter on what would have been her thirteenth birthday, as garden is opened in her memory
- Semina Halliwell died on July 12 having spent four days critically ill in hospital
- Her mother Rachel Halliwell claims her daughter took her own life after bullying
- Semina would have been celebrating her 13th birthday today, her mother said
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details
The devastated mother of a ‘beautiful and pure’ 12-year-old girl who died has paid a poignant tribute to her daughter on what would have been her thirteenth birthday.
Semina Halliwell from Southport died on June 12 of this year, after spending four nights in hospital.
Her mother, Rachel Halliwell, claims her daughter took her own life.
A police investigation is ongoing and no cause of death has been confirmed.
Today would have been Semina’s thirteenth birthday.
Ms Halliwell told the Liverpool Echo: ‘I feel empty, devastated and frightened ahead of going through what would have been her birthday, without her.
Semina Halliwell, 12, died on June 12 after spending four days in hospital. Her mother alleges that the youngster, who would have turned 13 today was ‘raped and bullied before taking her own life’
Rachel Halliwell, pictured with her daughter Semina, believes that she was targeted by bullies before her death and alleges that her grave has since been desecrated
‘There is a hole in my life which can never be filled again, made so much worse by the horrific circumstances as to how and why she died.
‘[She was] a pure, innocent girl with her whole life ahead of her, and she is no longer here.
‘My heart has broken into a million pieces, I just want my baby back.’
This morning, a garden will open at Semina’s former primary school, St Patrick’s primary in Southport, in celebration of her short life.
The event will be attended by pupils, staff and Semina’s family, and is not open to the public.
Parish Priest Father John Heneghan will bless the area, which will be a place where children can find ‘peace and friendship’, and show support to each other whenever any of them are upset.
A candlelight vigil will be held this evening at 6pm at Southport Promenade to celebrate Semina’s birthday
Speaking on behalf of St Patrick’s, Fr Heneghan said: ‘We remember Semina with such love and are praying for her mum and loved ones with deep compassion.’
Ms Halliwell said she wants her daughter to be remembered as a ‘beautiful, funny and generous girl’.
She continued: ‘She was unique from her name to her looks, she will always stay a beautiful 12-year-old girl who stood out from the crowd.’
Anyone wishing to pay tribute to Semina is invited to is invited to Southport Promenade to light candles at 6pm today.
Ms Halliwell told The Times: ‘She was a very happy, beautiful little girl. But when she started high school, she changed. She just changed.’
She added: ‘I have to be strong because my son is only 13 and he needs me, so I do have to keep going. But it is very, very hard, very, very difficult. I miss her so much. I can’t explain the pain that I feel.’
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.
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