Emotional Sevice For Alice

Hundreds attend ceremony at Greenford Hall

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Numbed by shock and grief,  and feelings of unbelievable sadness at the emptiness that has been left - the mother of murdered teenager, Alice Gross, spoke at a special memorial service at Greenford Hall yesterday.

Around 500 people turned up and heard poems, readings and music - including two songs recorded by Alice herself, - Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen left many in tears.

Alice went missing on 28 August. Her body was found in the River Brent a month later.

Alice's parents, Ros Hodgkiss and Jose Gross, thanked local people for their help in the hunt for Alice and the support they have received since.

Ms Hodkiss said: "I have been numbed by shock and grief, I have felt outrage and anger at the loss of her life and unbelievable sadness at the emptiness that has been left.

"I have racked my brains for all the 'what ifs' of that day, anything that might have stopped this random, incomprehensible tragedy.

"It is even harder to talk about that pain than it is to talk about Alice. I cannot imagine life without Alice.

"I think of all the hugs, shared jokes, evenings spent snuggled on the sofa, goodnight kisses, the confidence of after-school conversations, Alice playing the piano in her dressing gown (and) singing, shopping, baking, the way Alice still called me 'Mummy'.

"The future seems bleak without Alice. It is only the incredible support of family friends and the wider community that has kept us going."

Alice's family has asked for no further flowers, nor other tributes, to be left at Hanwell Clock Tower because the displays will be removed from today (Monday 3rd November).

In recognition of the talented teenager's love of music, her family has set up a tribute page with Youth Music to support disadvantaged children.

2nd October 2014