The community of Croydon is set to bid farewell to 15-year-old Elianne Andam in a solemn funeral service on Saturday, November 11. Elianne tragically lost her life in a stabbing incident on her way to school on September 27.
The funeral, scheduled to take place at the New Life Christian Centre on Cairo New Road, Croydon, will be held between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. The service is a testament to the life of a young girl described by her loved ones as a “beautiful daughter and beloved sister” with a “bright future ahead of her.
In a moving gesture, a procession will precede the funeral service, allowing the public to pay their respects. Starting just after 9:30 am from Derby Road, the procession will pass along London Road and Poplar Walk, turning right onto Wellesley Road—the very location where Elianne was attacked—before proceeding down George Street and Church Street. A significant portion of this route, particularly Wellesley Road, will be closed to traffic.
A poignant moment is anticipated as the procession makes a brief stop at Old Palace School, where Elianne was a student. The school community, including staff and pupils, are expected to pay tributes during the funeral service.
The ceremony will include emotional tributes from Elianne’s cousins, grandmother, aunts, and uncles. Additionally, the service will feature bible readings, worship songs, and a specially chosen poem.
In a statement released during a vigil held on September 29, the family expressed their profound grief and heartbreak, while also expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences they have received. They requested privacy as they navigate through this extraordinarily difficult time.
A live stream of the service will be available for those unable to attend in person, with the burial being limited to family members only.
As the community comes together to mourn the loss of Elianne, tributes continue to be left at the scene of the tragedy, reflecting the profound impact of this incident on the residents of Croydon.
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