On Saturday, 16-year-old Brianna Ghey from Birchwood in Warrington, Cheshire, was found injured and later pronounced dead on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth. In response, people across the UK are holding vigils to pay tribute to the schoolgirl. Two teenagers, a 15-year-old boy and girl, both from the area, have since been arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Vigils have been held this evening at St George’s Hall in Liverpool and at College Green Bristol. People held signs emblazoned with ‘Protest Trans Youth’ and ‘We’re all in this together’, while candles with the letter B were placed by photos of Brianna. Further events are planned for later this week in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Aberdeen, Reading, Plymouth, Brighton, Belfast and York.
A GoFundMe crowdfunding page set up to help the schoolgirl’s family has passed £70,000 in donations just one day after it was set up. More than 4,500 people from 41 different countries have contributed to the fundraising efforts.
In a tribute issued after Brianna’s death on behalf of her family, they said the teenager was a “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister”. They described her as “beautiful, witty and hilarious” and “strong, fearless and one of a kind”.
A number of police vans were seen parked in the surrounding area after the incident, with a number of uniformed officers patrolling the park. A large section of the area was cordoned off by police tape, and police dogs were also seen at the scene. The headteacher at Brianna’s school, Birchwood Community High School, said they were “shocked and truly devastated” by her death.
The tragic story of Brianna Ghey has touched hearts around the world, and people are coming together to pay tribute to her life. Candlelit vigils are taking place across the UK this week to celebrate her life and mourn her death. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help the schoolgirl’s family and more than 4,500 people from 41 different countries have contributed to the fundraising efforts. The loss of her young life has left a massive hole in her family and all those who knew her, who will be feeling her loss deeply.
