Making sure Georgia Williams' name will live on
The huge surge of public emotion that engulfed Telford after Georgia Williams' death highlighted the shock felt by the whole town – and galvanised the community into action to make sure her spirit lives on.
The Georgia Williams Trust is the tangible legacy of the free-spirited, community-minded teenager.
Formed in the weeks immediately after her death, the trust aims to help other young people take part in the kind of adventurous activities Georgia enjoyed as well as contribute to their local community.
The trust's motto is 'Free Your Spirit – Join In', which her family believes encapsulates Georgia's approach to life.
A further aim for the trust is to develop a campaign to help make young people aware of issues around their personal safety, particularly on social network sites.
Immediately after her death, Georgia's friend Steve Millington started fundraising for a bench in her memory.
Steve is now one of the charity's trustees and the bench, bought in association with Wellington Town Council, now sits proudly in Bowring Park in Wellington, one of Georgia's favourite haunts.
Steve was also one of the people who promoted the idea of wristbands which could be worn by people touched by Georgia's story and raise money for the trust.
The bands, made in orange and turquoise – Georgia's favourite colours – bear the trust motto and an image of a ferret, in recognition of the teenager's nickname.
Thousands of the bands have been sold, and the trust's Facebook page features a stream of pictures showing supporters wearing them in a string of unusual places, from the top of the Wrekin to Wembley stadium.
Since its formation, a wide variety of events have been held in the trust's name.
Georgia's sister Scarlett was at a music event held at the Rechabite Hall in Wellington in July which was attended by lots of her friends, and a coffee evening held earlier in the day at Dawley Baptist Church was an opportunity to raise awareness of the trust's work while raising cash.
The youngsters had been taking part in the Engage 4 Life programme, a Government-funded scheme giving young people the opportunity to work for the better of their community.
The event, which raised more than £1,000, also gave local sports clubs and organisations a platform to showcase what they do and give youngsters a chance to get involved.
Continuing the sporting theme, the inaugural Shrewsbury marathon and half-marathon saw more than 20 police officers and police support workers don their trainers to raise cash.
West Mercia Police's deputy chief constable Simon Chesterman lead the team round the course to raise funds for the Georgia Williams Trust, all wearing a specially-made blue running kit bearing the teenager's picture.
Her parents were at the finish line to greet all the runners as they ran, walked or hobbled in.
Perhaps the most high-profile event for the trust so far has been the first T-Live music festival in Telford Town Park on September 7. Joining chart-toppers McFly, girl band Stooshe and X Factor finalists Loveable Rogues and Luminites on the bill for Telford's first major festival was trust chairman Richard Langton, who spoke to the crowd of about 4,000 people about what the trust aimed to achieve.
The trust was chosen by Telford & Wrekin Council as the official charity of T-Live, and volunteers raised more than £800 by selling wristbands and T-shirts and collecting donations.
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On the eve of what would have been Georgia's 18th birthday, Mr Langton said: "I know Georgia would have had a ticket and she would have loved to have been here. She would have been down the front with you lot."
Afterwards he added: "It was extraordinary. To have an opportunity to talk to people about the trust was incredible.
"We are massively grateful to the organisers. The reaction from the crowd was just extraordinary. The passion and support we could feel was amazing.
"Many people came to our gazebo who said they want to help the trust. Our Facebook page has gone crazy. It has opened lots of doors for us."
The trust is made up of representatives from local organisations, including New College, Ercall Wood Technology College, West Mercia Police, 1130 Wrekin Squadron Air Training Corps, AFC Telford United, Telford & Wrekin Council and Wellington Town Council as well as Georgia's older sister Scarlett Williams and friend Steve Millington.
The formation of the trust grew out of a feeling amongst Georgia's family, friends and the wider community that her spirit and zest for life should not be forgotten. There was no doubting how much she was loved when, the day after her body was found in woodland in Wales, hundreds of people turned up at AFC Telford United's Bucks Head ground to pay their respects.
Georgia was part of the matchday safety team for the club she had supported since a small child, and the supporter-owned community club felt her loss deeply.
Scarves, shirts, candles and individual messages were left on the terraces in memory of the teenager, and her father Steve gave an emotional address to pay tribute to his daughter.
He said: "I'm down here at the ground and I'm holding it together for Georgia. I'd like to thank everyone for coming down and showing their love.
"Georgia, you were a great girl and thank you for being in my life."
Georgia's mother Lynnette and boyfriend Matthew Bird wiped away tears as they looked at the tributes which carpeted the David Hutchison stand.
The club's chairman, Lee Carter, said: "It was a very sombre day, but I think people being able to come here has allowed them to express their grief and sorrow.
"She was a lovely girl. Very polite and well-mannered. Bright, bubbly and really did make a massive impact on anyone she came in contact with. She will be sorely missed."
The club introduced a new annual award in Georgia's memory to be given to an outstanding young volunteer – and awarded the inaugural prize to Georgia herself.
Fans have also created flags in Georgia's name, including one bearing the words: 'Georgia Williams: One Of Our Own' and another carrying the trust 'Free Your Spirit' motto.
The day after her body was found, Georgia's friends gathered together for an informal vigil. About 350 people gathered in Bowring Park, off Haygate Road, to sing songs, share stories, comfort each other and set off dozens of Chinese lanterns.
The group sat in tearful silence as friend Dan Crossley sang his musical tribute to Georgia, called Georgia's Song.
Floral tributes were also placed around one of the trees in the park with one reading: 'Georgia, you'll never be forgotten. Rest in peace, all the love in the world, Jess and family.'
Within hours of Georgia's death being confirmed, floral tributes started to be left on the gates of the air cadet centre in Wellington where Georgia was a corporal. Scores of messages were also tied to railings outside the headquarters of 1130 Squadron on King Street.
Exactly a week after she disappeared from her home in Wellington, a minute's silence and prayers were held in Georgia's honour. More than 100 people, including her family, attended a service at All Saints' Church.
The church also became a focal point in people's thoughts in the days after her death, with floral tributes and messages for Georgia left in the grounds.
