Loving tribute in memory of lost sister by Blackburn schoolgirl (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Loving tribute in memory of lost sister by Blackburn schoolgirl

5:00pm Monday 17th September 2012 in News

A SCHOOLGIRL who lost her twin sister and father in a car accident 10 years ago is marking the anniversary by launching a fundraising project to help bereaved children.

Since the beginning of July, Sophie Thomas, 16, has painted and varnished more than 1,000 pebbles with simple words and pictures that she is selling to friends, family and the public for £1 each.

In just two months the A-level student at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Blackburn, has raised more than £1,000 for Winston’s Wish – the national charity for bereaved children.

Sophie, of Cowling, said: “My twin sister Louise died five days before our sixth birthdays and my Dad Michael died in the same accident aged 40.

“I received support from Winston’s Wish to help cope with both bereavements and felt this was a good way of giving something back.

“This is quite a landmark year for me and I didn’t want to feel I was leaving Louise behind. I have just taken my GCSEs and am starting my A levels at a new school, so am moving on to the next stage of my life.

“Launching The Pebble Garden Project has helped me to keep Louise’s memory alive and supports Winston’s Wish to help other bereaved children.”

Sophie spent the summer selling pebbles at weekly craft fairs at Skipton Town Hall and has also raised money with a stall at a country show and a supermarket.

She said: “People who buy the pebbles are really supportive and kind.

“I include information on the stall about why I am doing it, about Louise and Winston’s Wish. Many people have their own sad stories to tell or are facing huge challenges in their lives too.

“The pebbles seem to go down well because they are very simple but very meaningful and can be given to a loved one or friend as a small token with a big meaning.”

She added: “Nothing can ever fill the void and heal the grief at losing Louise, she will always be my twin sister and still is, even though she’s not here. But for me The Pebble Garden Project is a tribute to her and is something I will continue to do for as long as people want to buy my pebbles.”

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