A fundraiser has been launched after a Darwen teenager died in a crash on the M65.

Demi-Leigh Davies,17, died after a crash involving a Seat Ibiza at junction nine eastbound on the M65, in the early hours of Wednesday, October 2.

Demi was a passenger in the car which crashed at around 3.30am and suffered multiple injuries, and was pronounced dead at hospital.

A fundraiser has been set up on behalf of Demi’s mum, Gemma Walsh. The money raised will be used to give Demi “the best send-off”.

At the time of writing, More than £1,400 has been raised. A target of £3,000 has been set to cover funeral expenses.

Ben Walsh, who set up the fundraiser, said: “Our world came to a standstill. The news that no parent, sister, grandparents, or family should ever have to hear.

“You never think this is going to happen to you or your family and it shouldn’t, we shouldn’t have to be saying goodbye to our beautiful Demi-Leigh.

“Those who knew Demi know she was an absolute superstar, she shone in the dark days and brightened even the lightest of days.

“She had the biggest heart and had time for anyone who needed it, she’d do whatever was needed to make other people happy.

"Whether it be with her gorgeous smile, her infectious laugh, her dances, singing… literally anything to brighten the space around her.

“We know people want to show her how much she meant to them and give her the best send-off we could.

“Demi-Leigh’s absence has left a massive hole in our hearts, she truly was the centre of our family and world, if we can give one thing back to our angel, this is it.

“Rest in peace our gorgeous angel, we hope we do you proud, now and in future.”

Three other teenagers, the driver a boy aged 17 and two girls aged 17 and 19, also from Darwen, also suffered serious injuries in the crash and remain in hospital.

Police are continuing to appeal for information and footage following the collision.

Det Sgt Martin Wilcock, of the Road Policing Unit, said: “My heart goes out to Demi’s loved ones and all those affected by this appalling incident.

"We are continuing to investigate the circumstances and I would appeal for anyone with information or footage such as dashcam or mobile footage to get in touch.”

Anyone who can help should call 101 quoting log 0123 of Wednesday, October 2, or you can email the serious collision investigation unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.

You can donate to the fundraiser by visiting www.gofundme.com and searching 'In memory of Demi-Leigh Davies'.