Becky Youens: The Ride 4 Violet-Grace shows people will never forget our daughter

Those are the words of her parents Glenn and Becky Youens, after hundreds of people descended on Saints' yesterday to take part in the third annual Ride 4 Violet-Grace celebrations.

The event saw bikers, led by Becky, who was a pillion passenger, and cyclists, led by Glenn, ride to Whiston Hospital, where medics tried to save Violet’s life after she was struck by a car in an horrific hit-and-run in March 2017.

The bikers also headed to Alder Hey, where Violet was cared for before she passed away.

Stalls outside Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium included NHS Blood and Transplant and CPR Training and the funday also saw face painting, bouncy castles and emergency services providing attractions.

But the reason at the heart of the day, Violet-Grace, was never far from everyone’s thoughts, with t-shirts featuring the little girl’s face visible all around the grounds that surround the Saints stadium.

Many of the motorbikes that travelled along the route roaring their engines had violet ribbons tied to them.

And there was an immensely poignant moment when the group of cyclists, led by Violet’s father Glenn, rode past the spot on Prescot Road where the four-year-old suffered the injuries that claimed her life.

A crowd of spectators who had gathered on the road applauded both the bikers and cyclists on their way as violet balloons and a floral wreath, carrying the words Our Superhero, hung from lampposts.

During the event, which was being held for the third year running, 34 people signed the organ donor register in Violet’s memory.

Speaking to the Star after the ride Glenn, 32, said: "It's been quite an emotional day as usual and there are a lot more people here this year and more stalls.

"It's quite an incredible thing that everyone has turned up to help us remember Violet and help other families the way we are with Violet's Gift.

"It was an emotional thing seeing all the bikers again this year, and we'd like to thank everyone who has come down and taken part and donated, it helps us massively.

"It's just incredible, it just shows what Violet meant to others and to us and people who didn't even know Violet, she means something to them and we can't thank people enough.

"It shows you what a great community St Helens is and the people who come from around the country to be here.

"It's nice to know that when we organise these events people still remember Violet and she's not going to be forgotten by people."

Becky, 31, added: "It's amazing that 34 people have signed up to the Organ Donor register today that they are going to give the gift of life to somebody else ultimately when it is their time. We are overwhelmed by everyone whose come and supported us.

"You never want your child to be forgotten and for Violet to be remembered in such a positive way by the bikers by the likes of Barry, Bear and Louis who have organised this, all the cyclists and all the stalls of everybody who has taken part, it was all for our little girl and we are just really, really grateful.

"You never want your child to cease to exist and I just want to say thank you."

A key focus of the day was on the CPR dolls, one of which was paid for thanks to donations given to Violet-Grace's Gift.It allows medical professionals to train and learn how to save lives, demonstrations took place throughout the day, with children and adults taking part.

Becky added: "That day (the day Violet was struck by a speeding car on Prescot Road), a dentist, very kindly came out straight away and did CPR on Violet and that CPR bought us time for the ambulance crew to get Violet to Whiston Hospital then Alder Hey Hospital.

"We wouldn't have had any of that time and it's an important life skill, they should teach it in schools really I think.

"It can buy you those precious moments and ultimately, sadly, Violet did pass away but she became an organ donor.

"It was nice to get everyone to see the resus doll paid for with donations from Violet-Grace's Gift, that has a pulse and talks, because it helps professionals at Whiston train at that doll."

A total of £6,773.41 was raised for Violet-Grace’s Gift thanks to donations to stalls and the riders.