Friends and family of a Ribbleton woman who died in a crash at Brockholes Brow have set up a fund in her memory.
AdvertisementRachel Marie Murphy, 23, died on the A59 while walking back from the River Ribble with friends on Wednesday night. Her friend, 17-year-old Shelby Maher, also died.
Catherine Carter, who knew Rachel since she was three years old, said the lifelong Liverpool FC fan was ‘one of the kindest people you could ever meet’.
She also told how Rachel doted on her youngest brother and sister, Adam and Olivia.
Catherine, who is in regular contact with Rachel’s family, said: “We are all just in shock about how it happened. I can’t get it out of my mind.
“This fund is about doing something for friends and family of Rachel to pool our funds together to do something for a send off for her.
“Rachel never had much money but she was very generous with it. She worked part-time in Debenhams cafe but she would always be the first one to buy you a drink. Her money was always spent on the little ones in particular.
“Rachel was just fantastic at looking after the kids. She would always be trying to play footie with them and supporting them.”
In a statement Rachel’s family had paid tribute to their ‘football fanatic’ daughter. Catherine said she was in touch with Liverpool FC about getting a signed shirt for the funeral.
She said: “She was always in her Liverpool top. It didn’t matter what the occasion was, you wouldn’t see her in much else.
“We want to have her in full kit for the funeral. You wouldn’t normally get her having her legs out, she always wanted her traccies on. The fund is to help out and a chance for those who knew Rachel to contribute.
“She went to Ribbleton Hall and Blessed Sacrement schools, and she worked at a few places, so there will be lots of people who knew her. She was also a regular face at Anfield. So we thought this fund would be the best way to collect together anything her friends may want to give.”
You can donate to the fund on the GoFundMe website.
Catherine said she understands Rachel died after pushing her friend, 15-year-old Megan Blakey, away from the oncoming car.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” says Catherine, “Rachel would always think of others first rather than herself. She knew her friend is pregnant and she saved her. Rachel loved kids and in that situation she did everything she could to save her.
“Two of Rachel’s friends gave her CPR at the scene. They knew she was dead but that didn’t stop them trying. We all loved her so much. We can’t believe she’s gone. We just keep expecting to see her come walking through the door.
“She thought the world of her youngest brother and sister. They can’t understand why she isn’t coming back soon.”
Megan, who lived on the same road as Rachel, is now back home with her family after being treated for minor injuries.
Friends pay tribute
Friends have been paying tribute to Rachel and Shelby on social media.
Michelle McEwan posted: “A true hero to do that for Megan and her baby I wish I could take some of your pain away. You all must be so proud and heartbroken.”
Randal Paradzai said: “Still hasn’t sunk in yet. I will never forget you. Sleep tight.”
Sylvia Carter said: “RIP Rachel. I didn’t personally know you myself but my daughter Claire and my grandchildren thought the world of you. My thoughts go out to your family and friends. So young. Such a shame.”
Nazreen Bjayat said: “RIP to the girl who lost their youthful lives and sending my condolences to the families and a speedy recovery to the girl in hospital.”
A 21-year-old driver of the BMW involved was treated for shock at the scene, no arrest has been made.
Lancashire Police is continuing to appeal for anyone who saw the incident to contact them on 101.
Did you know Rachel or Shelby? You can leave your tributes and memories in the comments below