She had a promising life ahead of her as a top flight footballer before her life was devastatingly cut short in a car crash.
But this weekend popular Ipswich teenager Sian-Grace Ryan will be remembered at a fundraising event to celebrate her life.
The 16-year-old had a bright future ahead of her as a footballer who was already taking part in trials for England and Ipswich Town when she died in the horror crash on the A14.
The Copleston High School pupil was the front seat passenger in a Citroen Saxo being driven by an inexperienced motorist 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 are to gather to celebrate her life in a way she would have truly loved – with a football tournament and fun day.
It is hoped the event, between 10am and 4pm at Whitton Sports Centre, will raise £5,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Vicki Studd, a family friend who is helping 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.”
Although Ms Studd did not personally know Sian-Grace – who was also a promising tennis player – well, she said: “All the stories I hear about her are about what a lovely girl she was.
“She was really involved in sport – she was in the process of getting to England trials, as well as Ipswich Town.
“Football was her main passion but she also did tennis.
“I think she would be thrilled with how much everyone has put into organising the event. It takes so much organising and she would be really impressed and happy.”
The event will also include food and drink, a raffle and live music throughout the day from Ipswich artists.
The event raised £4,000 for EACH last year.
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