October 15, 2019 10.57 am This story is over 53 months old

Over £700 raised for schoolgirl’s memorial bench after tragic crash

Tributes continue to pour in for the much-loved girl

Naiomi Edwards. Photo: Sarah Broadbent's GoFundMe page

A fundraising page has been set up to raise money towards a memorial bench for the schoolgirl, who died in a crash at a busy junction in North Hykeham.

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.

Friends and family have gathered daily at the crash site to pay their respects. A balloon release was also held in her memory in Witham St Hughs, where she lived, on October 12. Over 100 family and friends attended.

Sarah Broadbent set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Naiomi’s foster parents Justine and Craig, who wish to do a Memorial Bench for her. At the time of writing it has so far raised £745.

Photo: Daniel Jaines for The Lincolnite

On the page, Sarah said: “A memorial bench will be a great way for family and friends to gather, share stories and remember the great times they had together.

“Please will you help make this happen at this difficult time? Thank you, it’s very much appreciated.”

She added: “Flowers have been laid for her at the site of the accident, friends and family have gathered daily to show respect and it’s hit the community with saddened hearts.”

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 £3,871.

Photo: Daniel Jaines for The Lincolnite

Flowers and cards continue to be left in tribute to the schoolgirl. Nearby schools also 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.