Mum haunted by memory of daughter, 12, asking doctor if she was 'going to die'

09 June 2023 , 20:48

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Semina Halliwell, 12, from Southport, died on Saturday June 12 after spending four nights in hospital (Image: Liverpool Echo)

A grieving mother is haunted by the memory of her daughter asking a doctor if she was 'going to die'.

Semina Halliwell, 12, died on June 12 2021 after spending four nights in hospital.

Mum Rachel says her daughter took her own life after an interview with police following claims she had been raped by an older boy who groomed her on Snapchat.

Rachel, from Southport, Merseyside, said she will "never be able to move on", but wants her daughter to be remembered for the funny and kind person she was, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Rachel said: "I can't find the words to describe how I feel, if I was to think about it now, I go back to those feelings. That's scary because I feel like it's almost happening now. It's happening again and I relive every minute, it is a parent's worst nightmare.

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Semina's mum Rachel says she will "never be able to move on" from the loss (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

"She asked the doctor 'am I going to die?' I will never forget that. If I go back to that place I'll lose my mind, it was horrific what she went through."

Rachel said she finds it hard to go upstairs in her family home and has not set foot in her daughter's bedroom since her death. The tangible link to Semina is still too hard to bear.

Rachel said: "I just find it so difficult because that was her bedroom, the place that she loved and at the same time it is the place where she took her life. To come home without her and see the drink of orange juice she had left on the side with her clothes, jewellery, and school uniform still there.

"Her portrait hangs on the landing, it is 12 feet by six feet, now I just like to look at her from a distance at the bottom of the stairs. I feel the same as I did last year, it is no different I have never moved on."

Rachel Halliwell and her daughter Semina Halliwell (Liverpool ECHO)

Rachel said she finds it hard to go upstairs in her family home and has not set foot in her daughter's bedroom since her death (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

However, Rachel said she has found solace in the outpouring of support after Semina's death and it helps her to keep going. She said: “It means the world to me because it's my daughter. Because to me they are honouring her life. That means the world to me even if I say thank you a thousand times.

“She was my only daughter and I still can’t believe that I produced something so beautiful, I was so proud of her. She was stunning and everyone would comment on how beautiful she was.

“Now I think about all the holidays we would have had together if she was still alive and about what she would look like now. She will never go to prom or get married, I’ll never see her do any of those things."

Semina Halliwell died on June 12, 2021, after spending four nights in hospital (Liverpool Echo)

On Sunday June 11, a plaque will be unveiled at the Botanic Gardens in Southport to honour Semina's life which Rachel said was her "favourite place in the world". However, the heartbroken mum will have to wait more than two years for answers surrounding the death of her 12-year-old daughter.

A pre-inquest hearing into Semina's death was held on Friday, February 3. Rachel previously explained how she is waiting until another hearing in July.

Rachel said: "I just want her to be remembered for the funny, loving, and, kind girl she was. She had the most infectious laugh and she was just beautiful... I will never give up fighting for my daughter."

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The Funeral of Semina Halliwell at St Patrick's Church (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Merseyside Police has previously told the ECHO: "The matter is currently being considered by the Sefton, Knowsley, and St Helens coroner, and as such it is not appropriate for Merseyside Police to comment on any of the substantive issues raised at this time, as we would not wish to prejudice the coronial investigation. However, we have, and are, co-operating fully with the coroner in this matter.

“A formal complaint relating to the police investigation has been received and the concerns expressed are being investigated by the force’s Professional Standards Department. We have informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct and are keeping them updated."

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch

James McNeill