Crowds gather to say goodbye to ‘warm-hearted’ schoolgirl killed in tragic schoolbus crash on M53
27.10.2023 - 15:01
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A schoolgirl with a passion for climbing who died when her school bus overturned on the M53 has been remembered at her funeral.
West Kirby Grammar School pupil Jessica Baker, 15, and driver Stephen Shrimpton, 40, were killed in a horror crash near junction five at Hooton, Cheshire, on September 29.
On Friday mourners, wearing black and some carrying flowers, filled St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Blacon, Chester, for Jessica’s funeral, with a video link to the school next door for those who could not fit in.
The front of the order of service showed a graphic of a climber, with a backdrop of mountains and trees, in memory of Jessica who represented the North West and Wales in climbing competitions across the UK.
It also featured photos of Jessica, including one of her as a baby and one of her holding a football.
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The family asked for donations to charity Climbers Against Cancer in memory of the teenager.
Jessica’s family arrived at the church walking behind the hearse which carried the coffin and floral tributes, including one which spelt her name.
Her parents Sean and Sarah and sister Rebecca spoke at the service and tributes were paid by her high school and climbing club.
Her headteacher Simeon Clarke was among the mourners.
Hymns including Abide With Me and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer were sung and the poem She Is Gone was read.
Following the service, members of her family tearfully embraced each other outside the church before the cortege travelled to Blacon Crematorium.
In a tribute issued after the crash, Jessica’s family said the