MUSIC and fashion were at the heart of a fundraising event organised to mark what should have been the 21st birthday of a beautiful girl with a "really cheeky laugh".

People across the area rallied together to throw the birthday bash of the year in memory of 19-year-old Jessica Quayle who was killed by a speeding car almost two years ago. 

Described by her best friend as a "proper girly girl", Miss Quayle was renowned for her enthusiasm for fashion and music so her friends and family decided to give her the ultimate party. 

Jessica's mum, Christine Quayle, said: "It was Jess's 21st on Tuesday and I didn't want it to pass without doing something. 
"She always wanted a big party. She didn't do it for her 18th so she wanted one for her 21st.

"We're doing it in her memory."

The party was held on Saturday evening at Crooklands Garden Centre which was transformed into a girly heaven of pink and purple balloons and a sparkling drinks reception. 

Mrs Quayle said: "Her favourite colour was pink. This party is just her all over. 

"She was all about her music, singing and dancing. She would be so excited knowing she was having a party and this is what she would be doing. 

"She loved a party."

Kelly Hodgson, Jessica's best friend, paid tribute to her pal and said the party was just what she would have wanted. 


She said: "Jessica would have loved it and would have been really excited. 

"She was a proper girly girl - she loved hair, fashion and make-up. 

"She would straighten her hair about three times a day - she'd hate having kinks in it.

"She was a girl who loved music, fashion, the lot - and she had a really cheeky laugh."

The party was also organised to raise money for the children's unit at Furness General Hospital through ticket sales, a raffle and an auction. 

Mrs Quayle said: "We decided to raise money for the children's ward at FGH. 

"Jessica was training to be a nurse so we thought it was something good to go to."

The star of the show was the Jessica Tree - a unique and touching gesture that saluted the Dalton teen's life but also raised money for a truly worthy cause. 

The tree was full of pictures of Jessica, each one with a unique number that corresponded to a fantastic prize.

At £5 a go, the Jessica Tree was a fabulous fundraiser that will help boost a local cause close to Jessica's heart.

The entire evening was organised by Andrea Murray, from Jute fashion boutique in Ulverston. 

Ms Murray masterminded the entire party and even organised the fashion show featuring a number of local models. 

One model, Zoe Mander, said: "This is a really close-knit community and we've lost one of our own. 

"We're hoping to support the family through this very difficult time and every penny goes to a really great cause."

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