HUNDREDS of mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes to a Church teenager, who died following a long battle with a rare heart disorder.

Kammecka Howard’s friends and family packed into Accrington Crematorium for the popular 19-year-old’s funeral.

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The former Woodnook Primary School and Accrington Academy student died at Royal Blackburn Hospital following a five-year fight with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPC) syndrome, which caused her heart to beat abnormally fast.

Hundreds of mourners dressed in bright clothing attended the emotional service yesterday, with many forced to stand outside and listen to the service relayed on speakers.

Kammecka’s pink coffin, which was covered in moving tributes, was carried into the historic building as grieving friends and family held back tears.

Her mum Kelly wrote: “To my inspiration to breathe and to understand what love means: I love you to the end of time and back. I love you, baby girl. Miss you more than words can say. All my love, Mum xxx.”

During the service, Kammecka’s 16-year-old sister, Kira, broke down into tears as she spoke of how she would ‘miss and love her sister’.

“There’s nothing I can say to comfort everybody,” she said. “I will miss her, and I love her.”

Following the service, which got under way at 3pm, colourful balloons were released into the sky. Kammecka, who lived with Kelly and Kira in Meadoway, was diagnosed with WPC disorder when she was 13, and also suffered from other heart problems.

Several operations to try and fix the condition at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Royal Liverpool’s Heart and Chest Hospital failed.

After being admitted to Royal Blackburn Hospital on Friday, August 8, Kammecka’s condition deteriorated and she died six days later.

Donations to the British Heart Foundation, c/o Champ Funeral Services, in Clayton-le-Moors, are welcomed.