Becky, 16, was reported missing when she vanished from her family home in Bristol, on 19 February, sparking a huge manhunt and a drive on social media – using the hashtag FindBecky – to try and find Becky. Horrifyingly, on 2 March, parts of Becky’s body were found at the home of her stepbrother Nathan Matthews – who has been charged with her murder.
Today, Becky’s family, friends and hundreds of mourners poured out onto streets in Bristol to respect to the teenager. People were asked to carry pink roses and throw them onto the carriage carrying her white coffin.
Two fundraising pages online raised over £11,000 which helped to cover the funeral costs and will, at a later date, set up a foundation in Becky’s memory.
Becky’s father, Darren Galsworthy, wrote a tribute which was read out by the Reverend David James.
“When Becky started school she was so shy that she wouldn't let Anjie leave her there on her own, so Anjie ended up being an unpaid teaching assistant for four years,” he said. “We remember her coming home one afternoon. She had just started the first year at the juniors and she was crying and when we asked her what was wrong Becky told us that no one would play with her because she had the wrong doll.
“So we went out and made sure she had the right doll for the next day, and on that day after she returned home all smiles and excited and told us about a new friend and this friendship lasted all the way through junior school.”
He continued: “In year six she became a mentor for younger children joining the school. Although still very shy herself she would still watch out for any child stood in the playground on their looking lost and scared. She would encourage them to join her little mentor group, which were all in year four.
“That was Becky all over. She couldn't make friends herself but didn't want younger children to feel like she did. Becky has left a huge void in our lives and touched the hearts of the nation. "We all loved you so much and as you look down from heaven just look at what your short life has achieved - not bad for a shy girl. You will forever be in our hearts and thoughts, rest in peace angel of Bristol.”
Darren also thanked those who had turned out to try and help find his daughter.
“Thank you to all the people of Bristol and all the fundraisers and all the support we have received from the entire country.”
Matthews, appeared at Bristol Crown Court on 26 March charged with Becky’s murder.
His partner, Shauna Hoare, 21, is accused of perverting the course of justice by lying to police and Jaydene Parsons, 23, James Ireland, and Karl and Donovan Demetrius, both 29, are accused of helping to dispose of, and conceal, Becky's body.
The provisional date for the trial is set for 5 October.