Australian actress Clare McCann has farewelled her 13-year-old son after he took his own life following months of relentless bullying at school.

Atreyu McCann was remembered as a creative and generous soul at a moving ceremony at Waverley’s Mary Immaculate Church in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Monday.

Friends and family packed the church to watch in silence as footage played of Atreyu playing music, singing, and standing proudly beside his mother at red carpet events. 

Like his mother, an acclaimed journalist, filmmaker and actress best known for her starring role in the Channel V series Blog Party, Atreyu had artistic aspirations. 

In his short career, he won two drama awards and played roles in US documentary series Deadly Women and Benefited, a series written and directed by his mother. 

Friends and family wiped away tears as Ms McCann approached the pulpit, letting out a long, shaky breath before sharing stories of her lost ‘best friend’. 

‘You were the most intelligent, funniest and talented person I’ve ever known,’ she said as her voice struggled to contain her emotion.

Ms McCann whispered to the flower-laden coffin containing her 13-year-old boy

Ms McCann whispered to the flower-laden coffin containing her 13-year-old boy

Clare McCann is pictured kissed a portrait of her 13-year-old son Atreyu outside Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley on Monday morning

Clare McCann is pictured kissed a portrait of her 13-year-old son Atreyu outside Mary Immaculate Church in Waverley on Monday morning

Ms McCann is pictured carrying her 13-year-old boy's coffin from church following the service

Ms McCann is pictured carrying her 13-year-old boy’s coffin from church following the service

‘When you were little, you told me you came to my window when I was little [and] you picked me as your mummy and then you said you would leave me one day.

‘That you would always love me. I will always love you, I will always miss you, and I will fight for your justice and I will make you proud.’

Atreyu died at their Sydney home after enduring two months of abuse, harassment and threats from fellow students beginning in his first week of high school, she said.

‘They tried to dim his light,’ the family said. ‘One often told him, “You’re not him,” any time he tried to speak and be funny.

‘He became withdrawn and moody and refused to return to school.’

Mourners sobbed as Ms McCann made a heartfelt plea of apology while looking down upon her son’s flower-laden coffin. 

‘I’m sorry if I failed you. I’m sorry if I loved you too much, made you too gentle,’ she said. 

Parish priest father Bernie Thomas led the church in a prayer before approaching Ms McCann and telling her she had nothing to apologise for. 

Atreyu (pictured) died last month after months of relentless bullying

Atreyu (pictured) died last month after months of relentless bullying 

Atreyu was remembered by his mother as 'the most intelligent, funniest and talented person I've ever known'

Atreyu was remembered by his mother as ‘the most intelligent, funniest and talented person I’ve ever known’

Ms McCann is pictured arriving at the eastern suburbs church before the service

Ms McCann is pictured arriving at the eastern suburbs church before the service

Mr Thomas remembered Atreyu, whose TikTok profile bore the description: ‘God First’, as a gentle, devout soul. 

Just as she had entered the church, Ms McCann again led her son’s coffin out into the bright, late-morning light to the skirl of bagpipers. 

Friends and family watched on as his coffin was raised once again into the hearse before a framed photograph of her son with uncharacteristically short hair.

She repeatedly kissed his image while privately sharing her last tearful words. 

Following his death, Ms McCann attempted to raise the $300,000 needed to cryogenically preserve Atreyu’s body in hopes scientific advances may one day bring him back. 

She had only seven days to raise the money, a deadline she would fail to meet. Now, she hopes her son’s legacy will protect kids against bullying. 

‘I will miss our walks, I will miss dancing with you. I will miss watching our favourite shows. I will miss your funny noises, I will miss our cuddles at night time.

‘And I will forever mourn not being able to watch you learn and become a father – but you will become a father to all of the children that are saved in your name.

‘You are the love of my life.’

Father Bernie Thomas embraced Ms McCann upon arrival at the church

Father Bernie Thomas embraced Ms McCann upon arrival at the church

Ms McCann whispered final words to the image of her son which she kissed repeatedly

Ms McCann whispered final words to the image of her son which she kissed repeatedly

Friends and family embraced outside the church following the service

Friends and family embraced outside the church following the service

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