Mum of girl, 17, who died in motorway horror crash pleads to 'make her last day as beautiful as she is'

The family of a girl who tragically died in a crash on the M65 have announced her funeral arrangements, inviting mourners to wear a "touch of pink" to honour her memory. Demi-Leigh Davies, a 17-year-old from Darwen, was a passenger in a Seat Ibiza when it crashed at Junction 9 eastbound on the M65 in Burnley.

The accident occurred just after 3:30am on October 2, and despite being rushed to hospital, Demi-Leigh tragically died from her injuries.

Her mother, Gemma Walsh, took to Facebook to share the details of the funeral, which is set for Monday, October 21. She wrote: "Demi's Day. Sorry for this being last minute, given the circumstances this was the best date for Demz."

The service will be held at St Peter's Church at 11.30am, with a request for attendees to wear a touch of pink.

Following the church service, there will be a private ceremony for family and close friends at Pleasington, then a celebration of Demi's life with refreshments at Darwen cricket club from 3.30pm. Gemma's heartfelt message continued: "All are welcome to attend Demi's final journey... Let's make Demi's last day as beautiful and special as she is."

This announcement comes after a balloon release was organised on Saturday evening (October 12) opposite Bold Venture Park to remember Demi-Leigh. Additionally, a fundraiser aiming to provide the "best send off" for Demi-Leigh has collected £3,755 from nearly 200 donations, reports Lancs Live.

Fundraiser organiser Ben Walsh commented: "On Wednesday October 2 our world came to a standstill. The news that no parent, sister, grandparents or family should ever have to hear.

"You never think this is going to happen to you or your family and it shouldn't, we shouldn't have to be saying goodbye to our beautiful Demi-Leigh.

"Those that knew Demi know she was an absolute superstar, she shone in the dark days and brightened even the lightest of days. She had the biggest heart and had time for anyone that needed it, she'd do whatever needed to make other people happy.

"Whether it be with her gorgeous smile, her infectious laugh, her dances, singing... literally anything to brighten the space around her. We know people want to show her how much she meant to them and give her the best send off we could.

"Demi-Leigh's absence has left a massive hole in our hearts, she truly was the centre of our family and world, if we can give one thing back to our angel, this is it. Rest in peace our gorgeous angel, we hope we do you proud, now and in future."

Demi's family previously said in a statement: "Our beautiful angel has been taken from us far too soon. Demi's smile lit up any room she entered and left a lasting impression. Once you met Demi, you didn't forget Demi.

They fondly recalled, "A sweet soul who laughed and danced her way through life. Her happy, bubbly, caring nature shone through to anyone she met and lifted their spirits immediately.

"Words cannot truly express the pain we are all going through knowing we will never see her beautiful face or hearing her infectious laugh again. Although Demi has been taken from us, the memories we all have will live forever.

"A daughter, big sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece and cousin who will be loved and greatly missed. Dance your way to heaven Demz."

The police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information should contact 101, quoting log 0123 of October 2, or email SCIU@lancashire. police.uk.