Hundreds line Chesterfield's streets as Sarah Freckingham is laid to rest

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Chesterfield this afternoon for the funeral of Sarah Freckingham.
Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession travels to St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession travels to St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.
Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession travels to St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.

The much-loved and popular 14-year-old sadly died suddenly in her home on St Augustine’s Road, Chesterfield, earlier this month.

Her life was celebrated by family and friends at a packed St Augustine's Church.

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Afterwards, crowds assembled along St Augustine's Road as Sarah made her final journey to her resting place, her coffin carried in a horse-drawn carriage.

Sarah was a student at Parkside Community School in Chesterfield.

During the highly-emotional service, Kam Grewal-Joy, headteacher at Parkside Community School, said: "Sarah was a beautiful human being; someone very, very special.

"I've spoken to our children and here are some of the things they've said about Sarah: 'she was smiley', 'she was respectful', 'she was a great friend', 'she was an amazing personality - and very happy'.

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"We all wish she was still with us, spreading happiness and positivity.

Sarah Freckingham's funeral. Picture: Anne Shelley.Sarah Freckingham's funeral. Picture: Anne Shelley.
Sarah Freckingham's funeral. Picture: Anne Shelley.

"Her time with us has been far too short - but I take comfort in knowing that she spent it well. She made the most of every opportunity.

"Sarah was an exceptional role-model and an inspiration to others.

"We will miss her terribly - and keep her forever in our hearts."

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Rev Jo Morris said: "Sarah wouldn't have expected to have her life brought to a halt so abruptly.

Flowers on the road at Sarah Freckingham's funeral. Picture: Anne Shelley.Flowers on the road at Sarah Freckingham's funeral. Picture: Anne Shelley.
Flowers on the road at Sarah Freckingham's funeral. Picture: Anne Shelley.

"In a normal course of events, she would have expected to have gone on many more trips out with nan and grandad, she would have expected to have watched many more series of Strictly Come Dancing or Dancing on Ice.

"Here is a safe place for us to share our loss, our grief, our numbness, our anger, our fear and our horror at what has happened.

"Here we can say 'it's not fair, it should not have happened' or ask those questions like 'why?' And it's OK to ask 'why?'

"Thank God we knew Sarah."

Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession leaves St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession leaves St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.
Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession leaves St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.
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Addressing Sarah's school friends, Rev Morris added: "If you need to speak to someone, please make sure you do."

The service included the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful and the Little Mix song Black Magic. Sarah loved Little Mix.

After Sarah's death, her mother Sharon told the Derbyshire Times: "I miss her so much.

"Sarah was a happy, smiley, lovely girl.

"She loved school - she had so many friends.

"She was always listening to music and enjoyed days out.

Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession leaves St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession leaves St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.
Sarah Freckingham's funeral procession leaves St Augustine's Church. Picture: Anne Shelley.

"Sarah wanted to work with animals.

"I just want her back."

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