'Amelia's legacy will continue on'

A children's charity has said the legacy of an eight-year-old girl who achieved her dream of breaking a record for receiving the most birthday cards will continue.

Amelia Kolpa, from Rowley Regis, had been receiving palliative care for cancer and had been in and out of hospital since the age of two and a half. She died earlier this month.

Her family asked for donations to be made in her name to Matt's Mission Children's Charity, an organisation which had supported the family throughout her treatment.

Founder Matt Dennings said: "Amelia wanted to support when she was with us, and now she's gained her wings she's still supporting, which is a lovely touch."

Amelia's family said her funeral would be held at 13:30 BST on 1 April at Waseley Hills Crematorium. They have asked attendees to wear bright colours instead of black.

They added that close friends and family would be inside the chapel and requested that the public stay outside during the service.

Dennings recalled first meeting a shy Amelia, who soon broke out of her shell.

"She was invited to one of the charity events where she was a VIP, a special guest for the day," he said.

"Quite a shy girl to start with, within five minutes she was jumping up trying to dance."

Denning said Matt's Mission's new hub in Birmingham would include a permanent tribute to Amelia, created with donations from her family.

He said: "We have got a canvas that's going up and that's going to have Amelia's face on it.

"She just inspired so many people, and I just want to carry that on here, as well as supporting all the many other children."

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