Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Remy Greasley

'Happy heavenly birthday' to Olivia-Pratt Korbel, Merseyside will never forget you

Today Olivia Pratt-Korbel should have been celebrating her 10th birthday.

Instead, today Merseyside and people up and down the country are remembering the youngster who was tragically murdered, on August 22, 2022

Olivia was so much more than a victim, taken decades too soon and in the words of her mum Cheryl, she 'left a mark on everyone she met' and 'packed a lot into those nine years'.

Today pupils at Olivia's school, St Margaret Mary's Catholic Junior School, will wear pink in honour of what would be the 'sassy diva's' 10th birthday, less than three months after her killer was sentenced to 42 years in prison.

READ MORE: Olivia Pratt Korbel's mum's heartwarming gesture to daughter's school friends

Olivia 'will never be forgotten' and today people have been sending their birthday wishes to mark what should have been a huge day in the child's life. Messages have come in from throughout the whole country, as well as closer to home.

Flowers, tributes and messages to Olivia at Olivia's Tree, decorated by mum Cheryl and her friends and family (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

Toni Cassidy said: 'All your friends will do you proud today' adding: "Happy birthday to the most beautiful angel. Pink day for you."

She will 'dance with the angels today', said Gill Donoghue, who added 'thinking of her mum, dad and family'.

Kathryn Jackson said: "The whole of Liverpool should turn pink. God bless you all heavenly birthday wishes Olivia."

Sue Swindells said: "Happy heavenly birthday Olivia. So loved and so missed, sending [love] to her mum, family and friends."

Marie Smith O'Neill said: "Little Angel. So very sad, you will be missed by all your family and all of Liverpool"

Martyn Orton said: "Happy birthday from Leicester. God bless."

Karen Gibbons said: "So very sad, thinking of all Olivia's family and friends."

Dawn McGarry said: "Happy heavenly birthday. You should be here. Far too young. Your tree is beautiful - your mum is making you proud. Fly high sweetie".

In a way to remember her, her family are decorating a tree near her old home in a celebration of her life. And among the first people to use the special place will be her five-year-old twin cousins.

Around this tree they hope to build a memorial park in her name and are pleading for help to raise £300,000. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror Olivia's mum Cheryl said: “It was my best friend Gemma’s idea, Gemma is the mum of Olivia’s best friend.

"‘Liv’s house’ in the cemetery is just for close family and friends so that was the idea behind decorating the tree, doing something for her birthday that other people in the community can leave flowers or a message there if they want to for Liv. We’re decorating it with balloons, bows and lights, and hanging the messages to the branches.”

We invite you to leave your own birthday message to Olivia and her family if you wish.

Join the Liverpool ECHO's breaking news and top headlines WhatsApp community

Young woman leaves doctors speechless after demanding scan

Mango shoppers desperate to buy 'stunning' £50 bag that's 'so chic'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.