A CLOSE friend of 14-year-old Megan Hoyle, who died two weeks ago, has pledged to support the hospital which fought to save her life.

Jade Milton, 16, from Darwen, forged a firm friendship with Megan though their shared love of ice hockey.

The teenagers would sit together at Blackburn Hawks home matches and would travel to away games to cheer the team on.

Megan, a St Bede’s High School pupil, from Meadowhead, Blackburn, died on February 24 at Sheffield Children’s Hospital after being taken ill four days previously.

After he death her family praised the ‘fantastic care and dedication’ of the staff there as they treated her.

Jade, who attends Darwen Academy, said: “Megan was honestly the nicest girl I’ve ever met, and she’s such a credit to her family.

“I feel so proud to have known her as a friend.

“We loved watching Blackburn Hawks together and it was so emotional when the club had a minute’s applause for Megan at their last match.

“We had also bought tickets to see the group The Vamps later this year.

“I’m now going to take another friend but have we will have t-shirts printed to pay tribute to Meg.

“She would want people to celebrate and remember her being here, and for people to be happy that they met her. I certainly am.

“It is because of Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital that she got the care that she needed before her passing and it is only right that I do this in her memory.”

Jade has given up fizzy pop, sweets and crisps in return for pledges to raise money for the hospital.

Megan’s brother Lee, said that all his family were extremely thankful for the kind wishes and fundraising efforts.

He said: “We’d like to thank Jade and all the others who have supported the hospital in memory of Megan.

“At her wake we passed a bucket around and I believe the same thing happened at the last Hawks game.

“We haven’t got a final total yet because the funeral directors are managing the collection but we will be handing the money over soon.

“We just wanted to give a little bit back to them as everyone who helped her there was fantastic.”

To donate to Jade’s hospital fund go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jade-Milton.