The small town of Lytham is reeling in shock and grief as the community comes together to give a proper sendoff to two-year-old Damion Russell, who was brutally murdered by his own father last August. The young boy’s funeral, which was initially delayed for 13 months, is finally set to take place on September 10, thanks to the efforts of his birth mother, Tara Russell, and local singer Hannah Hocking.
Damion’s tragic story began on August 19, 2023, when his father, 31-year-old Daniel Hardcastle, attacked him, leaving the toddler with a bleed on the brain. Two days later, Damion succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a community in mourning. Hardcastle was subsequently jailed for a minimum of 22 years.
The delay in arranging Damion’s funeral has been shrouded in mystery, with none of the relevant authorities able to provide a satisfactory explanation. The Blackpool coroner’s office declined to comment on the matter, citing the need for a formal court setting. It’s unclear why it took so long for the authorities to release Damion’s body, leaving his family and the community to wonder if the delay was due to a lack of resources, bureaucratic red tape, or something more sinister.
Tara Russell, Damion’s birth mother, was left to navigate the complex and often frustrating process of arranging a funeral for her young son. She was forced to rely on the state-supported funeral service, which is often seen as a bare minimum. The service provides a basic funeral, but it’s not a dignified or meaningful way to say goodbye to a loved one. Tara wanted more for Damion, and she was determined to give him the sendoff he deserved.
It was only after Hannah Hocking, an acquaintance of Tara Russell, was approached to perform at the funeral that the truth about the delay came to light. Hannah was “heartbroken” to learn that Damion’s funeral had yet to be arranged and decided to take matters into her own hands. She set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for a fitting funeral, which has so far raised £2,300.
With the help of local funeral director Mark Rae, Hannah was able to secure the release of Damion’s body, which had been waiting at the coroner’s office for over a year. The pair worked tirelessly to organize a funeral that would do justice to Damion’s short life. They arranged for a white horse-drawn carriage, a release of white doves, and a coffin adorned with flowers. The funeral will take place at St. Cuthbert’s Church in Lytham on September 10 at 1pm, and Hannah has extended an open invitation to the community to attend the service.
“It’d be great if they could wear baby blue or a bright blue colour for him,” Hannah said, adding that the generous donations received so far will not cover the total cost of the funeral. “We’re hoping that the money comes in, but somehow we’ll sort it. And if anyone has got anything else they think could offer, then please do get in touch.”
The community’s response to Damion’s funeral has been overwhelming, with many people expressing their desire to attend and pay their respects. The story has also highlighted the inadequacies of the state-supported funeral service for children, which is often seen as a bare minimum. As Hannah pointed out, “You get a free funeral for children, but it’s literally the bare minimum. You have to go through [the state] and do it their way – and he deserves better than that.”
The community’s efforts to give Damion a fitting farewell are a testament to the power of human compassion and the importance of honoring the lives of those who have been lost. Despite the tragedy and injustice that has befallen Damion’s family, the community has come together to show their support and respect.
As the funeral approaches, the community is preparing to say goodbye to a young boy who was taken from them far too soon. Damion’s story is a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of supporting families who have been affected by it. It’s also a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, as the community comes together to give Damion a dignified and meaningful farewell.
The funeral will be a poignant reminder of the life that Damion lived, and the love and joy that he brought to those around him. It will also be a celebration of his short life, and a reminder that even in death, he is still loved and remembered. As the community gathers to say goodbye to Damion, they will be reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment, and of the devastating impact that violence can have on families.
In the end, Damion’s story is one of tragedy and loss, but it is also a testament to the power of human compassion and the importance of honoring the lives of those who have been lost. As the community comes together to give Damion a fitting farewell, they will be reminded of the importance of supporting families who have been affected by domestic violence, and of the devastating impact that it can have on individuals and communities.