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Annike Lawrence

A FAMILY paid its respects to a loving teenager - and made sure she was treated like a princess at her funeral.

Four horses pulled the coffin of Annike Lawrence in a carriage to Toothill Church from her home two blocks away.

There were 150 friends and relatives at the funeral, many of whom walked tearfully behind the carriage.

It was Annike's nine-year-old sister Paige who especially wanted her to be given a grand send-off as a celebration of her extrovert personality.

The cause of Annike's death three weeks ago is not yet known.

An inquest is to be carried out to establish how she tragically died - just a day after her 18th birthday.

Her family believes she may have drowned in the bath after suffering an epileptic fit.

Annike had an inoperable, but benign, brain tumour which created pressure on her brain and caused her to fit.

There was not a dry eye at her funeral service.

Her great uncle, Matthew Armstrong, who was one of the pallbearers, said: "She always had a smile on her face. She is a big loss to us all.

"Annike was a special girl who touched so many people's hearts."

Janine Kennett, from Toothill, knew Annike from the age of four.

"She was always so outgoing and bubbly," said the 16-year-old.

"We were at Greendown School together and she was in the year above me.

"She would always look out for me and was very protective. We were like sisters."

Annike leaves her mother, Caroline, and four younger sisters, Emmie, 16, Kayley, 15, Paige, nine, and Riah, eight.

The Rev Anne Carter led the service.

"Annike was clearly a girl who was well liked from the numbers of friends and family here," she said.

"Her family wanted her to be treated like a princess.

"She died tragically and we commit her and ourselves to God's care.

"Death is a mystery, especially when it comes so unexpectedly and suddenly.

"But this is not the end. There is always a new beginning."

A reading from the Bible and the hymn Amazing Grace were sung.

Tears in Heaven, by Eric Clapton, was also played and the coffin was carried out of the church to Now You're Gone by Bazzheadz, which made many in the congregation laugh.

It was a song that Annike enjoyed a dance to.

Later, people gathered at the Toothill Community Centre.

10:00am Thursday 27th March 2008

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