Foster parents thank people for love and affection after schoolgirl’s death

The foster parents of a schoolgirl who died in a tragic crash at a busy junction in North Hykeham have thanked everyone for their displays of love, emotion and affection.

The road was closed for several hours after the crash involving a lorry and two teens on a bike on Station Road at 5.10pm on Wednesday, October 9.

A 15-year-old schoolgirl from North Kesteven Academy, who has been named locally as Naiomi Edwards, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 14-year-old boy from Sir Robert Pattinson Academy was taken to hospital with what police described as serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Foster parents Justine and Craig posted an emotional tribute on Facebook, thanking people, including Nancie Glewis and friends who organised a balloon send off in Naiomi’s memory on October 12. It was attended by over 100 family and friends.

Photo: Daniel Jaines for The Lincolnite

In her post on October 13, Justine said: “To all my friends who I haven’t had the chance to message – I’m so sorry but I’m sure you will understand my delay. Last Wednesday evening our beautiful foster child lost her life in a freak accident.

“This is the hardest thing as a family we have all had to deal with. There are so many people involved in this it’s awful and so many people hurt. Last night (October 12) Nancie Glewis and some friends organised a balloon send off and for this I am so so proud of her.”

Foster father Craig also thanked people, saying he was “amazed at how many friends she (Naiomi) had made in a relatively short time, staggered at the displays of love, emotion and affection”.

He added that Naiomi’s birth mum was given “such a sense of welcoming our village can give, so many kind words and love” at a recent gathering.

Photo: Facebook

Sarah Broadbent set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Naiomi’s foster parents, who wish to commission a Memorial Bench for her. At the time of writing it has so far raised £930.

Becky Fewsdale, a friend of the girl’s family, set up a separate GoFundMe page titled ‘Funeral cost for Naiomi Edwards’, which at the time of writing has raised £4,170.

Flowers and cards were left at the scene of the crash in tribute to the schoolgirl. Nearby schools previously said they are offering support and counselling to young pupils affected by the incident.

Local businesses shared their thoughts previously on how to improve safety at the junction.