‘World knows his name’: Australian actress Clare McCann’s vow at 13yo son’s funeral

An Australian actress whose son died by suicide has farewelled her “best mate” and vowed to dedicate her life to campaigning against bullying.

Videos of Atreyu McCann jumping on a trampoline, riding a horse, balancing on a skateboard, plucking violin strings and cuddling his favourite animals — experiences that shaped his rich tapestry of childhood — played one last time on Monday morning as loved ones said their final goodbye.

The 13-year-old Sydney boy was farewelled in a funeral service at Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley this morning after last month taking his own life.

Mourners farwell Atreyu McCann. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Actress Clare McCann acts a sone of the pawl bearers as Atreyu McCann’s coffin is taken in for his funeral. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Mourners dressed in all black fought back tears as they watched footage of Atreyu cuddling his mum, actress Clare McCann, and whispering “I love you”, singing her songs and proudly posing in his black suit and bow tie arm in arm at her red carpet events.

The 13-year-old’s funeral was at Mary Immacualte Cathoic Church at Waverley on Monday. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

After a deep, long breath Atreyu’s mum stood in front of the coffin that was covered in sunflowers, and spoke to the congregation about her boy, and “best mate” who she named after the hero in The NeverEnding Story.

He was the boy who was “looking so forward” to starting mainstream high school until bullies “dimmed his light”, she said.

Atreyu died by suicide at 13 years old. Picture: Supplied

His mum Clare found his body on May 23. Picture: Supplied

Clare found Atreyu’s lifeless body in his bedroom on May 23 this year.

The broken mother vowed to fight for justice and make her son proud.

“I’m sorry if I failed you. I’m sorry if I loved you too much and made you too gentle,” she said through tears.

Clare helps carry her son’s coffin. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Clare, a Sydney actress, said her son was excited to start year 7 at South Sydney High School.

“Upon starting high school he was singled out and bullied by some kids who were jealous of him,” she said.

“They tried to dim his light.”

Mourners hug outside the church. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Clare looks over her son’s coffin. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

He became withdrawn and moody and refused to return to school.

His mum tried to help him get better but on the tragic night in May all hope was lost.

“He wanted them to know the pain he went through,” Atreyu’s mum revealed.

After launching a failed campaign to have Atreyu’s body preserved, Clare instead farewelled her son at this morning’s Catholic service.

She vowed to dedicate her life to campaigning against bullying.

“Now the world knows his name, his story and his message,” she said.

“Atreyu you saved me from the nothingness, you brought my life indescribable joy when I had none.

“As you grew I revelled in your beauty. I always felt so blessed to have such a beautiful and wonderful boy. You were and will always be my best mate.

Clare vowed to dedicate her life to campaigning against bullying. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“You were the most intelligent, funniest person I have ever known.

“You told me when you were little you came to me and picked me and your mummy.

“I will miss our walks I will kiss dancing with you … I will miss our cuddles at night time and I will forever mourn not being able to watch you grow.

“I love you to the moon and back to infinity and beyond.”