Holly Newton: Funeral held for teen at Hexham Abbey

Holly’s family and friends gathered at Hexham Abbey in the centre of the Northumberland market town on Friday (February 17) morning to pay their respects to the teenager who died following a tragic stabbing incident in the town last month. 

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The funeral cortege passed Holly’s school, which had closed for a day of mourning, as it made its way through Hexham.

The funeral cortege as it made its way to the abbey in Hexham. (Image: NNP)

The cortege outside the abbey. (Image: NNP)

A carriage pulled by four horses donned with purple drapes and feather plumes brought Holly’s coffin up to the Abbey.

Flowers in a hearse spelled out “Holly” and “daughter”.

Flowers spelt out Holly in a hearse leading the cortege. (Image: NNP)

Three limousines carried the 15-year-old’s nearest and dearest including mum Micala and Auntie Gemma who both paid tribute to her during the service.

Mourners also wore purple clothing at the request of Holly’s family.

Holly's heartbroken family followed her coffin into the abbey led by mum Micala. (Image: NNP)

Her coffin, a white casket dressed in white and purple flowers was carried into the historic abbey to Donna Taggart’s Jealous of the Angels.

Leading the service Curate Henry Hope welcomed mourners saying, “As we gather around Holly’s coffin this morning we are brought face to face with the harsh reality of death, confronted with the death of someone so young, so full of life.”

Holly’s coffin was surrounded by candles and more purple flowers at the centre of the abbey, where purple lights also shone on the historic stonework.

Flowers and candles in the abbey (Image: NNP)

Paying tribute to her daughter, Holly’s mum Micala Trussler shared stories of her younger years, including a time she swallowed a 2p piece, and another when the youngster pretended to have a broken arm so she could have a cast like her friend.

Micala told the service:  “Some people are just too good for this world – Holly was one of them”

“Holly had a big personality but was shy and had a generous nature.

“She had always been sporty and loved her freestyle dance.

Holly Newton (Image: Northumbria Police)

“She cared so much about what other people thought about her but would get on stage and dance. She always said dancing made her feel happy.”

Holly’s Auntie Gemma added: “Holly was a beautiful, bright soul.

“She loved her mum and loved her dad. She was lucky enough to have two families who loved her.

Holly's family followed her coffin into Hexham Abbey (Image: NNP)

“It’s devastating beyond words that she’s gone.

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“It’s 22 days since our Holly was with us and already it feels like forever.

“The world is a much darker place without Holly’s light.”

Tributes from Holly’s schoolfriends Lily, Harper, Melissa and Gracie were also read out.

The teens recalled stories of time with their friend at school, how she always had a smile on her face and would greet anyone who passed her by, even if she did not know them.

Purple flowers burnt in the Abbey during the service. (Image: NNP)

There were also moments of laughter at some stories as Holly’s friends recalled the time she managed to lock her cat in a cupboard and didn’t realise.

Holly’s dance coach Kelly also paid tribute to her saying: “She is gone too soon when. When she is not there in class all the kids feel it.

“We all love her and will remember her always.”

The service was paused as mourners, many of whom were teenagers and went to school with Holly, were invited to pass by her coffin and place a purple heart sticker on a white canvas.

Purple hearts fill a once-blank canvas following the service. (Image: NNP)

Curate Henry Hope told the congregation, “It can feel to us as if Holly’s death can leave a big, blank space in our world,” as he invited them to fill the blank canvas with love.

Tears were shed and mourners joined in embraces as they joined a 20 minute procession to place their purple stickers on the canvas and pay their respects to Holly.

The emotional act was followed by the Lord’s Prayer and a commendation before the conclusion of the service.

Daughtry’s ‘Gone Too Soon’ played as her loved ones followed her coffin out of abbey.

Holly's coffin is carried out of the abbey following an emotional service (Image: NNP)

A private family wake and interment took place on Friday afternoon.

Holly was the much loved daughter of Micala and Chris, and step daughter of Lee and Amy. She also leaves behind siblings Jake, Abilee, Scarlett, Grace and grandparents Vicki and Philip.

The family previously said: “Holly was such a bright and bubbly girl who was so passionate about her family and many friends.

“She was a much-loved daughter, grand-daughter, sister, niece and cousin.

Touching floral tributes to Holly Newton. (Image: PA)

“Holly was always a popular girl, who was loved by so many people – not just in Hexham – but all over the North East.

“Holly also loved dancing and was so talented – and a big part of her spare time was spent at classes and taking part in competitions up and down the country.

“She had her whole life ahead of her and we are still coming to terms with the fact that our beautiful and loving girl is no longer with us.”

A copy of the order of service. (Image: PA)

Tributes laid at the town’s bandstand two weeks ago were still in place ahead of the service, including flowers and purple candles.

A vigil and minutes’ silence was held on February 3, exactly one week after the incident which took Holly’s life.

A moving vigil was held on February 3. (Image: NNP)

The 15-year-old tragically died following a stabbing in the Priestpopple area of the Northumberland market town exactly three weeks ago at 5pm on January 27.

A 16-year-old boy who was injured in the fatal stabbing spent almost a week in hospital before being discharged on Thursday (February 2) after suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A second 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons has been charged with her murder and is due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on February 27.

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