Tributes to 'delightful' Poppy Widdison whose life had only just begun

YOUNG Poppy had just started going to school when she passed away.

Today, her head teacher at Edward Heneage Primary School described the "great sadness" of the tragic news.

Lesley Collins said: "It was with great sadness that we found out about Poppy. She was a delightful little girl who was just starting her education at the school.

"Although her time with us was brief, it was clear that she was really bright and had much to offer.

"We would like to offer our condolences to all who knew Poppy.

"This is a tragic situation, and as a school we are coming together at this difficult time. I would ask that we are given the privacy needed to do this."

The little girl, who turned four only last month, died in Sheffield Children's Hospital in the early hours of Monday morning.

Today, the scene outside her former home in Ladysmith Road is moving and poignant.

Police officers, uniformed and in high-visibility jackets, are posted at the front and rear, a glaring reminder that it is a crime scene.

Alternating between standing on the road and at the front door, their job is to guard and protect the property, and record who enters.

Their presence has now been joined by a growing wall of cuddly toys, balloons, flowers and messages of sympathy.

Messages from those who knew Poppy mix with others from complete strangers who were compelled to lay a tribute and share their grief.

In the last few days, the house was a hive of police activity, with scenes of crimes officers in white forensic suits going in and out.

They then turned their attention to the house in Oliver Court, off Frederick Street, in Grimsby, where Poppy was living when she died – leaving Ladysmith Road somewhat still and subdued.

The atmosphere is sombre, say neighbours, who are still in shock that the "gorgeous" little girl won't ever play there again.

Poppy had lived there with her mother for about two years, and surrounding residents remember her as cute and playful.

One said: "To be honest, they kept themselves to themselves – that's pretty much what it's like around here.

"I would know Poppy and her mum to say hello to and that's about it.

"The youngster was immaculate, always clean and nicely dressed. We couldn't believe it when we heard about it, in fact, we're still in shock now. It still hasn't really sunk in.

"The tributes being placed outside the house are touching, yet heartbreaking at the same time. People keep stopping in cars on the side of the road to lay flowers or bring teddies."

Another said: "I didn't really know them but the little girl was very cute. I hadn't seen them at the house for a while."

Poppy's family are being supported by specially-trained officers. It is hoped they can take a small crumb of comfort from the public outpouring of grief and shock for their loss.

Even poems have been written and attached to the fence posts of the front garden in Ladysmith Road.

One, called Words Of Comfort, read: "You can shed tears because they have gone, or you can smile because they have lived.

"You can close your eyes and pray that they will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that they have left.

"Your heart can be empty because you can't see them, or you can be full of the love that you have shared."

Many people are visiting the Grimsby Telegraph's website, www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk, to express their sympathy, and thousands of people have visited the newspaper's Facebook page, too.

ANOM2009 wrote: "RIP little one, you are in a better place now, sorry you had to be taken so young, I guess He has work for you to do. You are now one of His angels."

Becky Tuplin said: "Gorgeous little girl. Fly high beautiful, may you rest in peace x."

Roxy Newall posted: "She's so adorable, God bless. RIP angel."

Shes such a little sweetie... so sad," wrote Selina Lindsey Davidson, while Sharon Agius Kirton said: "You so deserved a longer life. RIP beautiful Poppy x"

Diane Riches wrote: "RIP. Another little one taken too soon."

And Kerrie Vincent said: "Absolutely heartbreaking. What stunning little girl. RIP Poppy, good night God bless."