Grieving family and friends of three-year-old Georgina Bywater who died after becoming trapped in a tumble drier were yesterday laying her to rest.
Georgina was due to buried at the Addison Road cemetery in Brierley Hill at midday following an emotional memorial service in Amblecote, Stourbridge.
Georgina, who was called “Genie” by her family, died in the early hours of June 24 after climbing into the tumble drier appliance at her Waldron Avenue home with pet kitten Zac.
The door slammed shut behind her and she suffocated after falling asleep with the kitten in her arms.
The funeral car and the three-year-old’s white and gold coffin was set to leave the Hawbush Road home of grandparents Steve and Janet Woodall just before 11am.
Several floral tributes, including ones which spelt out “Princess”, “Little Angel” and “Genie”, have been displayed on the front lawn of the couple’s home throughout the morning.
The memorial service was scheduled to take place at the Holy Trinity church in Vicarage Road, Amblecote, and Georgina was carried in by Mr Woodall and his son Lee Woodall.
Elton John’s hit Little Genie was being played at the start of the ceremony and other songs have been chosen because they are cheerful including All Things Bright and Beautiful and Georgie Girl by the New Seekers.
Georgina’s mother Sarah-Jayne was also due to make her own heartfelt tribute to her daughter at the ceremony.
Georgina’s family have since launched a campaign calling for greater safety on domestic appliances.
They say action is needed to stop the risk of another child dying. They want manufacturers to redesign the machine so the doors cannot be closed from the inside.
Submitted by Umed Patel