WATCH: Many candles lit in memory of Van Riebeeck Park teen
Jade-Lee’s mother, Sharon, said more than enough funds were raised in order to give her daughter a beautiful ceremony.
The festive atmosphere at Peter’s Garden of Lights in Van Riebeeck Park had a grim undertone as family and friends of Jade-Lee Morrison (17) gathered to pay tribute to the young girl who died in an accident on December 14.
Between 80-100 people, including her loved ones and many friends, attended.
The sight of many approaching the house, lighting candles in her honour, was a sign of life’s fragility.
Sharon Morrison, Jade-Lee’s mother, put up a brave face and welcomed all who attended this special evening. Ward councillor Amanda Davison, along with community policing forum (CPF) members, joined the event. They each shared words of encouragement, condolences and a prayer.
When asked whether there was anything she’d like to say, Sharon didn’t have words but only tears. About the funds raised, she said: “The proceeds gathered was far more than we needed for her funeral.”
Natasha Greyvenstein (27), who was in the car with Jade-Lee, could not be there. Her best friend, Marselle Watson, told Express Natasha was doing well.
“She has started to walk and is in a much better state.”
Unfortunately, Greyvenstein was not well enough to attend her friend’s funeral at Maranatha Community Church on Thursday.
The man of the Christmas wonderland, Peter Cherryholme, said normally the proceeds from a night of lights with donations get split to fund different benefits.
Also read:
• Candle service for Jade-Lee at Peter’s Garden of Lights tonight
• Van Riebeeck Park mom witnesses daughter’s fatal accident
“Tonight’s proceeds will all go towards Jade-Lee’s funeral and be given straight to the family.
“It’s not the kind of assistance I would’ve like to give in the circumstance of this tragic loss, but we’re grateful for being able to assist in this time. On a normal evening, we get anything between R1 000 and R2 000, but tonight is not a normal night.”
