Memorial bench and tree unveiled to crash victim Courtney Ellis

Haydock High student Courtney Ellis died after being knocked down on Blackbrook Road, Blackbrook at about 9.50pm on Saturday, September 19.

The “bubbly” teenager was taken to hospital but later died of her injuries.

Morgan and Courtney

Despite police arresting two teenagers in connection with her death early on, they are still investigating.

Courtney’s mum Angela Burke, 37 said: “When she first passed away I was really depressed and needed to focus on something positive, so I contacted our councillor Paul McQuade about doing something about the cars speeding in the area.

“He has helped to put a few things in place to monitor speeding cars and I’d like to do even more in the future, but during that conversation he mentioned about sorting a permanent tribute to Courtney on the field near where she died and I thought it was a great idea.

“She has two younger siblings and an older sister who love her and miss her, we now have a positive place to go and remember Courtney, and I can come here when missing her just gets too much and I need to feel close.

Bench and tree in memory of Courtney

“My biggest hope is that people who use the area and bench please respect it, it’s a tribute to my daughter, please don’t vandalise it.

“It’s been so hard losing my daughter, the lack of CCTV in that area has made the investigation very hard for police as well but they are doing all they can.

“I just hope this place at least will give us some closure and a lovely way for us and all her friends to remember Courtney for who she was.

“She really is missed everyday. Thank you to councillor McQuade for all you have done to make this happen.”

The bench has a plaque on it which says ‘A mum’s adoration, a special bond of creation, a sister’s love is titanium’