About The ELY Memorial Fund and Our Mission
The Charity was set up in memory of Emma Louise Young. Emma tragically lost her life in a road traffic collision. She was just 23 and our only daughter.
We set up the fund in March 2011 with the objective to relieve financial hardship for families within the County if their son or daughter, between the age of 17 to 25, is tragically killed in a road traffic collision.
We provide a condolence gift to contribute towards the funeral costs so a family can mourn and arrange their child’s funeral without the added stress and financial burden. We also provide help and support through other groups, such as looking into life insurance, will writing and emotional support for victims of road traffic collisions.
Our other objective is to support young people across the county to become safer drivers, educating them in road safety to help reduce road collisions involving young drivers.
Our Story
Our shining light was tragically taken far too soon on Thursday 30th September 2010 at 10.06pm. Em was on her way home from her boyfriends place in Ledbury that night. I knew something was wrong, but I never knew the magnitude of devastation that faced us. Being told that Emma had been killed in a car collision will haunt us for the rest of our days. Not being unable to see Em for 16 hours was sheer agony, it tore us apart because all I wanted to do was hold my baby.
We were traumatically distraught at losing Em so cruelly and we were in no mental state to comprehend the consequences of turning our back on everyday life when our society keeps functioning.
We found ourselves facing funeral costs, household bills, an Inquest into her accident and Probate – all which needed to be paid. The biggest worry was paying for Em's funeral, it cost nearly £5,000. Without the support of my Mum we would not have afforded this without taking out a loan.
Em died Intestate and did not have a Life Insurance. The majority of young adults don't think about such things, neither do Mum's & Dad's, you are too busy looking after the family and insuring your own life for them. When we turned to find some help, we were totally distraught to think that there was no financial help for us because we did not qualify for help from the Department of Social Security.
We can't explain our pain and sorrow of losing our daughter so tragically, we truly miss Em every day.
We hope that you will support the fund in memory of our beautiful daughter Emma Louise Young "ELY".
With our best wishes, thank you for visiting our website.
Our Emma
Our Emma will always be remembered for her loving smile, her caring ways and her love for her family and friends. She grew up in the Tupsley area, attending Aylestone High School and furthering her education at the Herefordshire College of Technology where she studied her BTEC in Teaching Assistant & Social Care.
Em voluntarily worked at Barrs Court School and Widemarsh Workshop, during her studies at College. She was given the opportunity to work there for a short time until she moved to Orchard House, Withington, to look after elderly residents with dementia.
Em finally found her true vocation and worked with Dean Health Care working with adults with learning disabilities at St Owens Centre. She loved it there and tragically was only there 12 weeks prior to her passing. She was highly regarded and missed by friends she made during her short working years.
We have wonderful memories of Em growing up, too many to share with you, but her 23 years were full of life, determination and enduring love for myself, Steve, Ben and all her family. She made us feel so proud of her achievements through her lows and highs, we couldn’t have asked for anything more.
One of our fondest memories was her 21st birthday party which will always have a special place in our hearts. Em set her heart on wearing a long dress and her cousin Keira had made a dress for her GSCE Textiles. Em tried the cerise two piece outfit and it fitted like a glove! Em felt really special that night, she drank and danced the night away with family and friends. I remember her words "I love you Mum, thank you for such a wonderful party" – a night we will never forget.
Emma our beautiful precious Angel will always remain close to all our hearts forever.
“Always in our hearts Em xxx”
“I remember the beautiful baby, the wonderful young lady you grew into, a loving caring nature, that is so rare in children today. You will always be remembered for all the good things you did in your short life. xx”
“A beautiful angel xx 💙”
“Em was such a loving and caring person, and always one to have lots of fun! I remember when I was younger, me and and my sister playing tickle wars, and inventing new games and things to do-whenever em was around, we were never bored! She truly loved life, and she will be remembered in everyone’s hearts forever, never forgotten. love you loads Em xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx”
“What can I say, a wonderful friend that will stay with me in my heart forever. Gone but not forgotten xxx”
“Miss you precious niece, you’re in my thoughts every day, love & miss you dearly! We will meet again angel! Xxxxxxxxxxx”
“Some of my earliest memories are of playing with Em in our playroom, colouring in and drawing on the blackboards. I remember how she loved picking me up and spinning me round, was such good fun. I will always remember her amazing smile and positive nature, she was such a good role model to both me and my sister. Missing you loads Em xxxxxxxxxxxx”
ELY Hugs Pack
Our unique Funeral Plan can support your family in your darkest hour.
Young Driver Experience
Empowering 14-17 year olds by providing a fun, interactive and safe introduction to driving.
Support Us
Join us in fundraising for The ELY Memorial Fund today!