Balloon release organised after Darwen teen died in crash

Demi-Leigh Davies died on October 2, after a crash involving a Seat Ibiza at junction nine eastbound on the M65.

One of Demi’s friends, Madison-Leigh Wickers, has organised a balloon release on Saturday (October 12).

It will take place on the grass area directly across from Darwen's Bold Venture Park, at 6.30pm, when the sun starts to set.

Those attending have been asked to bring a pink balloon if possible, although any colour is fine, and to write a message on the balloon to Demi.

Madison, 17, said she organised the balloon release to give Demi’s loved ones a way to pay their respects.

Demi-Leigh Davies died on October 2, after a crash on the M65 (Image: Gemma Walsh)

She said: "I decided to organise the balloon release when I saw how many people were affected by Demi’s passing.

“Social media became flooded with her name and face and I wanted to find a healthy way for myself and so many others to pay our respects to Demi.”

At the time of writing, 99 people said they plan to attend the event. Madison, from Darwen, said the response to the release has made her feel emotional.

She said: “Seeing so many people being interested and passionate about attending the balloon release has made me feel emotional in so many ways.

“I am happy that everyone will be there sharing a moment for Demi it shows how many people are going to be left with a gap in their lives where Demi used to be and how many people are going to be left hurting and mourning our beautiful friend.”

Demi-Leigh Davies died on October 2, after a crash on the M65 (Image: Gemma Walsh)

Madison said Demi was a “strong, beautiful, caring and devoted friend”.

She said: “Demi truly was a blessing, she was the type of girl who would show up in times of need.

“She was like a sister to me and she fit into my family easily.

“Life is fragile and, as we all have now experienced, it can be taken away in a heartbeat.

"No one is immune to tragedy and these horrible accidents can happen to anyone. Live your life and remind your loved ones just how much you love them.”

Demi’s mum, Gemma Walsh, told the Lancashire Telegraph that the balloon release is a “lovely gesture”.

Demi Davies (middle) with sister Kaci (left) and mum Gemma Walsh (Image: Gemma Walsh)

She said: “The balloon release was initially put forward to me as a lovely gesture by Demi’s friend,  Madison, as a way for all of Demi's friends and anyone who knew Demi to come together to pay their respects and say their goodbyes to her.  Any and all are welcome.

“I’m so grateful Demi has such caring loving friends to even consider doing something so memorable for her."

Gemma said he last week has been “the worst” of her life but has thanked people for their messages of support.

She said: “The last week has been the worst week of my life, we are taking it each day at a time at the moment as it’s still such a shock but the amount of love and support we as a family have received from everyone has been amazing and has given us some comfort to know just how many people loved and cared for Demi.

“I have received lots of videos from her friends and in every one, she’s smiling, dancing, singing and hugging people.”

Gemma said Demi was a “friendly person with a welcoming smile”.

She said: “Demi had a huge heart and genuinely cared about everyone she met… she made everyone around her laugh and feel important.

“She just loved people, she was definitely a people person and always wanted to be surrounded by her family and friends and also her boyfriend. She just HAD to be the life and soul of the party.

“I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful, kind, and considerate daughter. Demi loved her sister, Kaci, and as a trio, we were best friends.

“Ever since she was little ,Demi loved dancing, learning new dances with her sister, her cousin and her friends. Even her grandma and grandad joined in on a few.

“She was a natural in front of the camera and that showed in each and every picture and video and she just never stayed still. As her uncles would say ‘always flick flacking about’.”

Gemma has thanked anyone who has left kind words, or donated to a GoFundMe that was launched to give Demi “the best send-off”.

She said: “I’d just like to thank all of Demi’s family and friends and also those who have been touched by her story who have been so kind to donate to the GoFundMe in honour of Demi.

“It will be used to give Demi the best send-off as she really does deserve to be remembered in the best possible way.

“Her final journey will be very special, just like Demi is and always will be.”

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.