Dozens of school children join mourners to pay respects to 14-year-old crash victim Courtney Ellis at her funeral

Courtney died after being knocked down on Blackbrook Road, Blackbrook at about 9.50pm on Saturday, September 19.

The "bubbly" teenager was taken to hospital but later died of her injuries.

Courtney Ellis

Today, a white hearse carriage pulled by white horses, which were wearing purple plumage, carried much-loved Courtney, 14, to the funeral at St Mark's C of E Church.

Friends and family walked behind the carriage, which also carried floral arrangements in white, blue and purple spelling out the words 'Daughter' and 'Sister'.

Due to coronavirus restrictions only a limited number of people could attend the service, but school friends from Haydock High – some in uniform, others dressed in black – stood alongside teachers from the school outside the church to pay their respects to Courtney.

Courtney's white coffin was carried into church by her loved ones.

Some of her schoolmates made their way to the crash site on Blackbrook Road, after Courtney's service began, where they laid more flowers and balloons in memory of their friend.

In a tribute issued by Angela, Courtney's mum, shortly after the crash, she said: “Courtney was a bubbly girl, who loved to be around friends and family, she was so loveable and protective of her peers.

"Courtney wanted to be a midwife and was ready to start knuckling down in school to achieve good grades as she realised it was what she needed to do to be able to go on to further things once leaving school, she had so much potential.

“Courtney is like me, her mum, when it comes to emotional feelings. We could cry at watching soaps, she would cry at animal films if they were sad ones, so if she knew that this had happened and wouldn't be able to see all of us she would be so heartbroken.

"All her family are devastated and can't believe that she has been taken away from us, I, her mum, gave birth to her not knowing she would only have 14 years’ worth of a life and I wish that I could have done more and gave more so that she could have fulfilled so much more before she passed."“No parent should outlive their child. Morgan, her sister, is finding it hard to cope as she was best friends with Courtney and they did everything together, they could argue like cat and dog but they loved each other so much, Courtney was so protective of Morgan and she was younger than her but that was just Courtney's personality.

"All her friends say how funny she was and polite and kind and to hear that makes me proud that I brought a beautiful human being up.

“Courtney has two younger siblings Roman and Harper who she adored and they will be reminded of Courtney every day. Roman loved playing with Courtney as she would act silly and her laugh whilst doing so would make you laugh it was so catching.

"I will make sure they remember her through pictures and videos. Me, Phil (her step dad), Morgan, Roman, Harper, grandad Paul, Sarah and Debbie (her aunts) are finding this so hard and are going to miss her so much, I can't get my head around this. We love you so much Courtney.”

Courtney’s dad, Colin, also issued an emotional tribute.

It read: “Courtney Ellis, my beautiful princess. You gained your angel wings way too soon and I still can’t believe daddy’s princess is no longer with us.

"You were a beautiful little girl who always had a smile on her face and would do anything for anyone.

"You had a heart of gold and cared so much about your family and friends and would put everyone else first.

"You had a fantastic sense of humour and would make anyone laugh even on their bad days.

"Your personality was one of the best and so many people loved you and are going to miss you.

“It brings me comfort to know she spent the last 8 months living with her nan (Rose) and grandad (Dave) where she was most happy and loved spending time, even from being young she always would like to spend time there.

“Dad, Paige (step mum), Skylah (step sister), Finley (step brother), Jade (cousin), Amy (cousin), Ella (cousin) Joanne (Aunty) and Uncle, Nan and Granddad are all finding it very hard to take in, and will miss Courtney so much.”

A police investigation is ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident or has CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to get in touch.

Two teenagers arrested in connection with the incident have been released under investigation.

The two, aged 18 and 19, were questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101 quoting ref. 20000569277.

Alternatively you can contact the Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.