Mourners gather for funeral of card record girl

Hundreds of mourners have gathered for the funeral of an eight-year-old girl who achieved her dream of breaking a UK record for receiving the most birthday cards.

Amelia Kolpa, from Rowley Regis, had been receiving palliative care for cancer and had been in and out of hospital since the age of two. She died in March, after being sent more than 300,000 cards.

Her funeral took place at Waseley Hills Crematorium, where attendees were asked to wear bright colours instead of black.

People came from far and wide for the service, many of them standing outside, while close friends and family filled the crematorium. Hundreds of bikers also formed a procession before the service.

One woman said she went along to show her respects after following Amelia's story on social media.

"I watched her videos and she was just an amazing little girl who knew she was poorly but just took it as it was, an inspiration to all."

Gemma Wilcox shared her relationship with Amelia, who spent a lot of time with her daughter Darcy on the oncology ward at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"We spent every day together when the girls had treatment from takeaways to late nights on the ward," she said.

"They became like family instantly and I know Darcy will be waiting up there for Amelia to come so they can do TikToks together because they loved dancing ."

Wilcox lost her daughter to cancer five years ago when she was also aged eight-years-old.

"I haven't been to any funerals since Darcy's, but I thought I couldn't miss today, because that's what Darcy would have wanted. They were like sisters.

"It's an amazing send off and what she truly deserves."

Zeb, a member of a bike group, said paying his respects was important to honour her bravery.

"I was following her story and it was great what she achieved, she was a brave little girl," he said.

Speaking before the funeral, Matt Lemm, who helped to organise the birthday card collection, said the day would be filled with tears but also fond memories of the little girl.

"People have been with us across the whole of the journey, and I think today is going to be a mix of emotions," he said.

"The reason so many people took interest was because the initial request was so humbling.

"It was birthday cards that she wanted, it wasn't Disneyland or Ferraris or anything like that, it was birthday cards that you get your hands on for a few pence."

Biker groups from around Rowley Regis also gathered to pay tribute to Amelia, ahead of the funeral service beginning.

Hundreds of bikers formed a procession from Stourbridge to Waseley Hills Crematorium, some carrying purple balloons and flags for Amelia.

Others played The Macarena, one of her favourite songs, honouring the family's wishes that the funeral should reflect the light, love and joy that Amelia brought to so many lives.

Megan Carlile, who was asked to sing at Amelia's funeral, said she was honoured, adding she felt inspired by the eight-year-old's bravery and strength.

"Sometimes she come across really shy, but as soon as I'd get up to sing she'd be right by my side dancing around and singing," Carlile said.

"It'll be difficult to sing but she showed such bravery and strength, it feels only right to try and do the same today."

Amelia's family asked for donations to be made in her name to Matt's Mission Children's Charity, which supported the family throughout her treatment.

Founder Matt Denning said: "Amelia wanted to support when she was with us, and now she's gained her wings she's still supporting, which is a lovely touch."

Denning recalled first meeting a shy Amelia, who soon broke out of her shell.

"She was invited to one of the charity events where she was a VIP, a special guest for the day," he said.

"Quite a shy girl to start with, within five minutes she was jumping up trying to dance."

Denning said Matt's Mission's new hub in Birmingham would include a permanent tribute to Amelia, created with donations from her family.

He said: "We have got a canvas that's going up and that's going to have Amelia's face on it.

"She just inspired so many people, and I just want to carry that on here, as well as supporting all the many other children."

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