'˜Let's leave a final tribute to our friend Nessa'

15-year-old Nessa Lewandowska died on High Town Road on August 9 last year, after driver Michael Fludgate raced up the wrong way of the road at 90mph and crashed into a TV repair store.

Nessa was a backseat passenger in the vehicle and is believed to have died instantly, despite wearing a seatbelt.

Fludgate was later jailed for eight years for causing death by dangerous driving.

Since then, memorials continue to be placed for Nessa at the site, including candles, balloons and teddy bears, and now friends want to fundraise a memorial bench as a permanent tribute to her.

Fundraiser Emily Walker said: “It would be lovely to have something there for her.

“She was a young, beautiful, honest and funny girl – she had everything going for her.

“It was just really unfortunate what happened to her, she did nothing wrong.”

Emily’s sister Louise was Nessa’s best friend and the two had known each other since they were pupils at Sacred Heart Primary School. She is desperate to raise money for the bench.

Louise said: “It would mean the absolute world to me to be able to do this. She was my best friend, I knew her from primary school and it would make me and her family so happy.

“For her 16th birthday we put lots of balloons up and made it special to her. I go down there when I can, it’s there where I feel close to her.

“Nessa grew up in High Town, her mum lives around the corner and it feel right to remember her there.”

Nessa’s family are supportive of the campaign, which has already raised £160 of its £500 target. Any additional funds raised will go towards the cost of her headstone.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emily-walker-248.