A grieving mum from Merseyside has shared harrowing memories from days before her daughter's death on the one year anniversary of her loss.
Rachel Halliwell, who has previously shared powerful images of her 12-year-old daughter before her death, has opened up ahead of a vigil organised to remember Semina 12 months on. Semina Halliwell died on June 12, 2021, after spending four nights in hospital. Her mum, Rachel Halliwell, said she took her own life shortly after an interview with a police officer.
Semina, a Year 7 pupil at Stanley High School in Southport, said she was raped by an older boy who she said had groomed her over Snapchat. Rachel has now released a photograph of Semina taken in hospital just days before she died, as she raised concerns over how police had handled her daughter's case.
READ MORE: Grieving mum wants everyone to see harrowing photo of daughter days before she died
Speaking to the ECHO ahead of the emotional vigil that will see dozens come together to remember her daughter's life, she spoke about how she had to see her daughter's organs fail for days after Semina took a suspected overdose. The 51-year-old said: "It's really hard over the next few days because of the fact she was awake and we had to watch her die while her organs failed and talk to her during all of this.
"This is the worst part. It's almost like I'm reliving every second of it because this time last year she was going through all of this."
Ahead of the vigil this weekend, Rachel said: "I'm anxious about it because at the moment I'm just trying not to think of what she was going through this time last year because I just think if I go to that place I will never return. It's just reliving everything again and she was just 12.
"She was a baby and she should be here and she's not. I've not had any time, because of everything that's been going on, to grieve properly. I appreciate everyone coming to remember her and everyone's love and support.
"That's what keeps me going, all the people that are supporting me because without them I think I would have fallen apart. I want to remember Semina and it's really important to me. I think it's important as well to have the community come together.
"I think everyone knows Semina's story and the love that they've shown towards her has been amazing, that's something that will stay in my heart forever."
A Sefton Council spokesperson said when asked about the confirmation of a coroner's inquest date: "This is an ongoing investigation upon which the Coroner cannot comment at this point."
Rachel says she believes Merseyside Police "failed her daughter". Merseyside Police told the ECHO it was "not appropriate" to comment on the issues raised ahead of a planned inquest into Semina's death.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "The matter is currently being considered by the Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens coroner and as such it is not appropriate for Merseyside Police to comment on any of the substantive issues raised at this time, as we would not wish to prejudice the coronial investigation. However, we have, and are, co-operating fully with the coroner in this matter."
“A formal complaint relating to the police investigation has been received and the concerns expressed are being investigated by the force’s Professional Standards Department. We have informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct and are keeping them updated."
Semina's tragic case was raised at a parliamentary committee on June 23, 2021, when Labour MP Apsana Begum asked then-Education Secretary Gavin Williamson what more could be done to help protect children from sexual harassment and abuse.
Following her death, Rachel feared Semina's bullies would "gatecrash" her funeral. Rachel had initially said "everyone is invited" to celebrate Semina's short life. But she later received some horrifying messages.
Screenshots seen by the ECHO appeared to show someone who knew Semina telling Rachel they had been told they'd "get battered at the funeral" if they attended. The message continued: "I'm scared to go".
Police officers were in attendance at the funeral, which went ahead without incident. But less than three months later, Rachel was left devastated after the grave of her 12-year-old daughter was "trashed" by yobs.
On Sunday, June 12 at 12.45pm a vigil will be held at Liverpool Road Cemetery in Ainsdale in memory of Semina Halliwell.
