Christina Edkins' Funeral

The family of a 16-year-old girl stabbed to death on a bus say they have been "overwhelmed" by the support of well-wishers.

Christina Edkins was killed by a stab wound to the chest as she was on a bus making her way to school on Thursday March 7.

Her funeral is being held today at Birmingham Cathedral.

Speaking before the service on behalf of Christina's family, her cousin Stephen Newby said: "Today we will say goodbye to Christina.

"We are devastated that she should have been taken away so senselessly and continue to try to come to terms with what has happened.

"We have been overwhelmed and comforted by the spontaneous reactions of so many people. While many of them never knew Christina, all have been touched in some way by this tragic event and share in our grief."

Phillip Simelane, 22, of Walsall, has been charged with murdering Christina, and remains in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court for a plea hearing on May 31.

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Class friends of Christina Edkins have arrived at her funeral at Birmingham Cathedral.

The family procession was led by a white horse-drawn carriage.

Christina was stabbed to death on a bus 15 days ago as she made her way to school.

Christina's funeral began at 1:30pm today.

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Stephen Newby, cousin of Christina Edkins, has spoken to ITV News Central this morning.

He thanked the support from the community and the 'overwhelming' comfort from so many people.

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The funeral service of Christina Edkins is about to begin inside St. Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham.

Christina was stabbed to death on a bus 15 days ago as she made her way to school.

A candlelit vigil was held last night at the cathedral prior to today's service.

Her funeral begins at 1:30pm.

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The funeral of a 16-year-old girl who was stabbed to death on a bus in Birmingham as she made her way to school takes place today.

The service in memory of Christina Edkins will be held at Birmingham's St Phillip's Cathedral.

The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham, said it was "a sad privilege" for the cathedral to be conducting the schoolgirl's funeral.

"We extend heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her family and friends.

"This death is very hard to bear and we ask all those who mourn the loss of this lovely and bright young woman to join us in prayer today.

"Birmingham Cathedral stands in the centre of the city as a symbol of the triumph of peace, hope and love and these are the values that really matter at times like these."

Christina, a pupil at Leasowes High School in Halesowen, died after suffering a single stab wound to the chest on the top deck of a bus in Edgbaston on March 7th.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Christina, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The funeral of a girl stabbed on a bus on her way to school in Birmingham will take place today.

Friends gathered last night at a candlelight vigil for 16 year-old Christina Edkins. A 22 year-old man has been charged with her murder.

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A candlelit vigil has been held this evening in memory of a teenager who was stabbed on a bus on her way to school.

It was held at Birmingham Cathedral and open to anybody who wanted to pay their respects to Christina Edkins.

Her funeral will take place tomorrow at Birmingham Cathedral.

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A candlelit vigil is being held this evening in memory of Christina Edkins who was stabbed on a bus on her way to school.

In memory of their friend, a music tribute has been launched on YouTube.

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Friends of Christina Edkins, the 16-year-old stabbed to death on her way to school in Birmingham, have composed a rap in her memory.

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