Funeral Held for Amelia Kolpa, UK Birthday Card Record Holder
Hundreds of mourners gathered to attend the funeral of Amelia Kolpa, an eight-year-old girl from Rowley Regis who fulfilled her dream of breaking the UK record for receiving the most birthday cards.
Amelia had been receiving palliative care for cancer and had been in and out of hospital since she was two years old. She passed away earlier this month after receiving over 250,000 birthday cards.
The funeral took place at Waseley Hills Crematorium, where attendees were requested to wear bright colours instead of traditional black attire.
Organisers noted that close friends and family would be inside the chapel during the service, and they asked the public to remain outside.
Community Support and Organisers Reflect on Amelia's Journey
Matt Lemm, who helped organise the card collection, described the day as one that would be filled with both tears and fond memories of Amelia.
"People have been with us across the whole of the journey, and I think so 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 initially 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," he said.
Community Tributes and Musical Homage
Biker groups from around Rowley Regis gathered to pay tribute to Amelia before the funeral service began.
Megan Carlile, who was invited to sing at Amelia's funeral, expressed her honour and said she felt inspired by the young girl's bravery and strength.
"Sometimes she come across really shy, but as soon as I 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."
Charitable Donations and Lasting Tributes
Amelia's family requested that donations be made in her name to Matt's Mission Children's Charity, which supported the family throughout her treatment.
Founder Matt Dennings shared his reflections on Amelia's involvement with the charity.
"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."
Dennings recalled meeting a shy Amelia who quickly became more outgoing.
"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."
Dennings also revealed that Matt's Mission's new hub in Birmingham will feature a permanent tribute to Amelia, created with donations from her family.
"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."
Community Reflections on Amelia's Impact
One woman attending the funeral shared her reasons for being there, having followed Amelia's story on social media.
"Why wouldn't I want to be here or why wouldn't anybody not want to be here to just show support to show love to a local girl.
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," she said.
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