STAR readers have been sending kind messages and prayers to the family of Violet-Grace Youens on the fourth anniversary since the little girl's death.
On March 24 2017, Violet-Grace Youens, from Eccleston, was just four-years-old when she was struck on Prescot Road, St Helens by a stolen car travelling at 83mph.
She died the next day, March 25 2017 in the arms of her devastated parents Glenn and Becky Youens.
However since her death, the little hero has gone on to inspire thousands of people to sign the organ donor register via her family's tireless campaign in raising awareness, and saved two lives herself by donating her pancreas and kidneys.
The charity established by her parents after her death - Violet-Grace's Gift - was also recognised as the highly commended runner-up in the 2020 Rosie Neath Award for Outstanding Achievement in Organ Donation.
Violet-Grace’s Gift is dedicated to changing the conversation around organ donation, and Becky and Glenn Youens regularly give talks about the importance of speaking with family members about the decision to become an organ donor.
The family also fight tirelessly for the current sentencing guidelines to be changed, calling for life sentences for dangerous drivers who kill, rather than a maximum sentencing guideline of 14 years.
A fight which saw them attend a Parliamentary debate after more than 164,000 people signed an online petition.
Additional to this she is a constant inspiration in her home town, her family were awarded the first Family of the Year Award at the Pride of St Helens Awards in 2018 and also organise an annual fundraising and awareness day, the Ride 4 Violet-Grace, which is a key date on the St Helens calendar.
Paying tribute today, Star reader George Poole said: "Our thoughts and prayers with all the family on this sad day"
Sue Moore added: "Rip little angel you not forgotten and every one is missing you. Thinking of the family at this sad time, its so sad xxx"
Janette Butterworth said: "Thinking of Violet-Grace’s family. A beautiful angel"
Vicky Higgins added: "Beautiful little girl.. Thinking of violet And her parents today.."
Violet-Grace Younes
The Steve Prescott Bridge will also be lit up violet tonight in further tribute to Violet.
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