Amelia Kolpa's Passing
An eight-year-old girl who touched hearts worldwide by breaking the record for the most birthday cards received has died, her family announced.
Amelia Kolpa, from Rowley Regis in the Black Country, had been receiving palliative care for cancer and had been hospitalized intermittently since she was two and a half years old.
"Our dearest Amelia, you were and always will be our greatest miracle," her mother Katarzyna Bartczak wrote on social media.
"For nearly 6 years, she fought with a strength beyond imagination. Every single day, she showed us what true courage looks like."
Amelia initially aimed to receive 8,000 birthday cards, but with global support, she received over 300,000, setting a new UK record.
She was sent cards and messages from around the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Her family confirmed she passed away at 17:00 GMT on Tuesday.
"She is no longer suffering. She is no longer in pain. She is in a place where everything is beautiful, peaceful, and full of light," Bartczak added.
Amelia's Battle and Achievements
Amelia was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and was on a waiting list for a clinical trial. She also maintained a bucket list, which included making teddy bears for family members containing voice messages she recorded, a goal she successfully completed.
In February, hundreds of motorcyclists delivered the birthday cards to her.
Matthew Lemm, who helped organize the card collection, visited Amelia about half an hour before she passed away.
"Obviously nobody wanted her to pass away, but we all knew it was inevitable and we all knew the pain that little girl was in," he said.
"Knowing her had 'glued together' my 'broken heart'," he added.
"The connection and the bond that me and that little girl had was unmatched," he said in a video post on Facebook.
Community Reaction and Tributes
Residents of Rowley Regis expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to Amelia, who had captured the hearts of many.
Anne Marie Brown shared her reasons for sending a card to Amelia:
"It was her wish. If that was my daughter, I'd do absolutely anything she wished for.
For her mum to do that [was] amazing."
"To bring everybody together like that, it gives you that glimmer of hope to say, yes, there is still kindness in the world."
Ann Clift described the news as "heartbreaking" and noted that Amelia's story had united the Black Country community.
"It's been wonderful in that respect, but obviously very sad."
School's Statement and Memorial Plans
Highfields Primary School released a statement recognizing Amelia as "a special part of our school community."
They noted her incredible strength and courage throughout her illness.
However, what many will remember most is her beautiful smile, described as one that brought warmth and happiness to those around her.
The school highlighted her positivity, determination, and gentle spirit, which touched the hearts of numerous staff and students.
Staff members will be supporting children through this difficult time.
"We feel incredibly proud to have been part of Amelia's journey and to have watched her grow over the years," the statement said.
"She brought so much joy to our community and will always hold a very special place in our hearts."
School leaders expressed hope to create a stained-glass window in Amelia's memory.
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