A promising teenage footballer who was killed in a horror car crash was remembered by family and friends at a charity fun day inspired by hope in the face of tragedy.
Sian-Grace Ryan, 16, was already taking part in trials for England and Ipswich Town when she died in the devastating crash on the A14.
The Copleston High School pupil was the front seat passenger in a Citroen Saxo when it span out of control and crashed with a road sign at Nacton on August 17, 2009.
Now, nine years on from her death, friends and family gathered to celebrate her life in a way she would have truly loved – with a football tournament and fun day.
The event, which was held at Whitton Sports Centre on Saturday, August 25, aimed to raised £5,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices – a charity which cares for young people across the region with life-threatening conditions.
Christine Ryan, Sian’s mother, said: “We are here today to celebrate the life of Sian-Grace Ryan who was tragically killed in a road traffic collision on the A14 in 2009. We do this to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and we are hoping to raise one day’s money today, which is just over £5,000.
“We have this celebration of her life to remember her every year and to raise money for the hospice.”
Vicki Studd, a family friend who helped to organise the event, said: “Every year we’ve held this event it has got bigger.
“For her close friends and family, it’s a big boost to have everyone and you can see how overwhelmed everyone is.
“They feel so happy and overwhelmed that everyone is helping them, as well as the charity.
“We want her family to just enjoy it.”
The event also included food and drink, a raffle and live music throughout the day from Ipswich artists.
Organisers raised £4,000 for EACH last year.
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