Ava White: ‘Liverpool stands together once again’ during city centre vigil for schoolgirl

Liverpool city centre was packed for emotional vigil to remember 12-year-old Ava White.
People gather for the Ava White vigil in Liverpool city centre. Image: @lpoolcouncil/twitterPeople gather for the Ava White vigil in Liverpool city centre. Image: @lpoolcouncil/twitter
People gather for the Ava White vigil in Liverpool city centre. Image: @lpoolcouncil/twitter

Hundreds of people who gathered in central Liverpool to remember murdered 12-year-old Ava White on Saturday night have been thanked for their “outstanding support”.

Colourful balloons including some with the letter A, were released at the start of the vigil which was organised by Anthony Goudie, from Huyton, who runs events company A&E Entertainment.

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He said: "The whole city now has come together to support this vigil, it’s absolutely outstanding."

Balloons are released during the vigil. Photo: @PA/twitterBalloons are released during the vigil. Photo: @PA/twitter
Balloons are released during the vigil. Photo: @PA/twitter

Mr Goudie read a message on behalf of Ava’s cousin, which said: "I do wish that we could make more memories as we grow together but it is my time to make you as proud as we all are of you.

"I want to make you the proudest person ever.

"I love and I miss you so much, baby girl.”

“Thank you to the hundreds of people who ventured out tonight in such terrible weather to support the vigil organisers and pay their respects to Ava White.

“Liverpool stands together once again,” the Council said in a statement on Twitter.

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Radio City Tower was lit up in blue and Imagine by John Lennon was performed by 12-year-old Astrid Smith from Southport who as appeared on The Voice Kids, during the emotional event.

Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone was played along with other music such as Hero by Mariah Carey and Where Is The Love by the Black Eyed Peas.

Some of those attending wore hoodies with Ava’s face on and had her name written on their faces.

The Year 8 Notre Dame Catholic College pupil described as ‘unique’ died from ‘catastrophic injuries’ following an attack in the city centre on November 25 after the Christmas lights were switched on.

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A 14-year-old boy appeared in court earlier this week charged with her murder.

Robert Martin, Ava’s dad, released a statement on Friday describing the family’s heartbreak over what had happened.

Liverpool Councillor Anna Rothery addressed the vigil and called on the Government, council, police and other agencies to work together to eradicate knife crime.

"Our children deserve better," she said.

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