THE Steve Prescott Bridge will light up violet on Sunday, March 25 as a mark of support and remembrance to the Youens family – a year on since the tragic death of four-year-old Violet-Grace.

The little girl's death on Saturday, March 25, not only shocked the St Helens community who pulled together to support her parents Becky and Glenn from Eccleston, but also the country.

She has been waiting to cross Prescot Road with her grandmother Angela French on Friday, March 24 when they were hit by a stolen speeding car.

Violet died in her parents arms the next day - and her gran Angela was left severely injured.

Despite their grief the Youens family saved two lives by donating their daughter's organs to two people in need - and in the 12 months after Violet-Grace's death they have held fundraising events - such as the Ride 4 Violet-Grace - to promote organ donation in her memory and held speed awareness talks so others will not have to face what they have.

Her parents, Glenn and Becky said: “This is a very difficult time of year for us, as it reminds us nearly one year has passed since we held our beautiful Violet-Grace.

“Our lives have been torn apart, and that piece of our hearts has been taken away. We thank all those who remember Violet, as we are so scared she will be forgotten.

“We are fundraising and campaigning to keep Violet’s memory alive in all those who knew her, and the community.

“Violet is a beautiful soul, so full of life and happy. She always wanted to help others, even at such a young age.

"We must carry on her legacy, so she can continue to help others, and keep her loving memory alive.

“We thank St Helens Council for lighting up the bridge in honour of Violet-Grace Susan Youens, a little angel aged four."

St Helens Council leader Barrie Grunewald added: “The strength and bravery shown by Rebecca, Glenn and the rest of the family this past year has touched all of our hearts, and as a parent myself, I couldn’t even begin to understand what it’s been like for them.

“The anniversary of Violet-Grace’s passing is going to be tough – but I hope the family can take some comfort in knowing that they will be in the thoughts of so many.

“We’ve all seen the beautiful pictures of Violet-Grace in the media wearing her superhero costumes, and she became a superhero herself after her passing by giving the gift of life through organ donation so that other poorly children can live.

“It’s important that we remember incredible people like Violet-Grace, and lighting the Steve Prescott Bridge up for these types of occasions is always a special symbol of how St Helens stands with its own during the dark times.”

Glenn and Becky continue to help people in the community to face the bereavement of a child, and to raise awareness of organ donation after joining forces with the Isabella Rose Foundation to launch Violet-Grace's Gift.

For more information on events visit facebook.com/violetgrace.gift or donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROSomeoneSpecialPage?pageUrl=VioletGraceYouens