‘I wish you could have stayed’: Molly Ticehurst’s son pays heartwrenching tribute to beloved mum

Molly Ticehurst was “the best mum in the world” to her six-year-old son. But now he has to grow up without her.

The little boy penned a tribute for his mum, who was cruelly taken from him in an alleged act of domestic violence, which was read on his behalf at her funeral service on Thursday afternoon.

“You meant so much to me, but you are in my heart mum and that’s where you’ll always be,” he wrote.

“I know heaven called you but I wish you could’ve stayed.

“I miss you a lot and I’ll love you every day and night. You are the best mum in the world.”

Hundreds of mourners gathered in the NSW central west town of Forbes on Thursday to remember the 28-year-old mum childcare worker 10 days after her alleged murder at the hands of her ex-partner on April 22.

Her father Tony Ticehurst led tributes at his daughter’s service, saying he had always hoped she would change the world “but not at this cost”.

But Ms Ticehurst’s family want to remember the happy memories the young woman gave them before her life was senselessly cut short.

Mr Ticehurst told those gathered at the town’s local rugby club — including NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, and NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley — how local children would often approach his daughter on the street, saying “Look Mum and Dad! It’s Molly.”

“Molly didn’t have to leave us to grow her angel wings — they came with her as standard equipment,” he said through tears.

The roar of at least 60 motorcycles from the Central West Riders group, and led by Mr Ticehurst, broke the silence that fell over Forbes as the red hearse carrying Ms Ticehurst’s white casket was escorted to the local rugby club.

Bouquets of colourful balloons and bright flowers dotted the oval in the centre of town.

Mourners were handed a small card showing a recent portrait of Ms Ticehurst as well as a photograph of her as a curly-haired toddler.

AC/DC songs blared over the club’s speakers, interspersed with gentle ballads.

A family spokeswoman spoke at the service, praising Ms Ticehurst for having the “bravery and strength to leave her relationship”.

“Sadly, too many women continue every day to experience the trauma of domestic violence or violence,” she said.

“Your loss has caused immeasurable pain for your son, family, friends … the community of course.”

“Molly, we wish you were here to hear the impact you have on everyone to you and the wider community and to hear the beautiful tributes bestowed upon you.”

The service was followed by a private cremation with family.

While the 9000-strong community of Forbes rallied around the Ms Ticehurst’s family in the wake of her death, raising almost $60,000 in a public fundraiser, her senseless alleged murder has intensified a growing national movement against gendered violence.

Locals launched a campaign urging people across Australia to leave their front porch lights on throughout Wednesday night in her honour.

The town will also hold a “Molly Mattered” walk around Lake Forbes on Mother’s Day, with attendees asked to wear bright colours.

The event is described as a way for Forbes “to wrap their arms around each other in a show of support and say no to violence against women”.

Ms Ticehurst was also remembered at a series of rallies around Australia last weekend, along with many other women killed in acts of violence this year.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

- with AAP