Friends pack church for funeral of Doncaster park murder victim Casey-Lyanne, 13

Casey-Lyanne Kearney, 13, was stabbed in the town’s Elmfield Park on Valentine’s Day after dialling 999 for help.

She was found lying injured and died in hospital.

Today, around 300 people packed into the tiny St Wilfred’s Church, in the Cantley area of Doncaster, with some left listening to the service from the road outside.

Many of the congregation wore orange ties or scarves - Casey-Lyanne’s favourite colour.

After the half-hour service, many of the teenagers were crying and holding each other for comfort as they walked out of the churchyard.

Casey-Lyanne had left her home at around midday on Tuesday February 14 and caught the bus to Doncaster town centre, where she intended to meet a friend.

She called the police and a passer-by phoned for an ambulance.

Last weekend, more than 200 people took part in two charity walks and a concert to raise money for Casey-Lyanne’s family to cover funeral costs.

Canon John Willett. who led the service, read a tribute from Casey-Lyanne’s father, Anthony.

It said: “From the moment you were gone I knew life could never be the same again.

“And the pain of losing you would be intense for a long time to come, probably forever.

“I am sure everyone will agree what a wonderful young girl you had become.”

Mr Kearney’s tribute recalled the fun his daughter had had with her family on the beach, swimming, at family barbecues and watching “movies in our pyjamas”.

Canon Willett said Casey-Lyanne had spent most of her life in Cantley but moved to Rossington two years ago.

She went to the nearby McAuley School.

He said: “Casey’s life has been tragically cut short.

“We do not know how her life would have developed in the years ahead.

“What’s important, however, is that she has lived and she has been loved.

“She will never be forgotten.”

The mourners, led by Casey-Lyanne’s father and her mother, Kerry, arrived at the church behind a hearse covered in flowers.

The name Casey was spelt out in orange and yellow blooms along the side.

• Hannah Bonser, 26, has appeared in court charged with Casey-Lyanne’s murder and possession of two knives. She is in custody and due to appear next at Sheffield Crown Court on May 10.